{"id":919,"date":"2026-02-16T11:02:38","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T08:02:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/?p=919"},"modified":"2026-02-27T17:48:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T14:48:11","slug":"what-should-patients-with-heart-valve-disease-pay-attention-to","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/en\/what-should-patients-with-heart-valve-disease-pay-attention-to\/","title":{"rendered":"What Should Patients With Heart Valve Disease Pay Attention To?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Heart valve patients should continue regular cardiology check-ups and fully comply with the treatment protocol planned by the physician. Symptoms such as sudden shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain, fainting, or swelling in the legs should be monitored carefully, and in the presence of signs of clinical deterioration, a healthcare facility should be consulted without delay.<\/p>\n<p>Medication use and the clinical follow-up process in heart valve disease are critical in terms of preventing complications. In patients receiving warfarin therapy, INR levels should be monitored regularly, and dose adjustments should be made by the physician. Noncompliance with treatment may increase the risk of thromboembolic events.<\/p>\n<p>In heart valve patients, dietary habits and physical activity planning contribute to reducing cardiac workload. A balanced, heart-friendly diet with low sodium should be preferred, and ideal body weight should be maintained. The exercise program should be individualized according to the severity of the disease, and heavy exertion should be avoided.<\/p>\n<p>Protection from infections in heart valve patients is important in terms of reducing the risk of infective endocarditis. Attention should be paid to oral and dental health, and the existing valve disease should be reported to physicians before invasive procedures. In cases of fever, fatigue, and unexplained palpitations, medical evaluation should not be delayed.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/en\/what-should-patients-with-heart-valve-disease-pay-attention-to\/#What_Is_Heart_Valve_Disease_and_Why_Is_It_Important\" >What Is Heart Valve Disease and Why Is It Important?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/en\/what-should-patients-with-heart-valve-disease-pay-attention-to\/#The_Importance_of_Regular_Cardiology_Follow-Up\" >The Importance of Regular Cardiology Follow-Up<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/en\/what-should-patients-with-heart-valve-disease-pay-attention-to\/#What_Should_Be_Considered_in_Daily_Life\" >What Should Be Considered in Daily Life?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/en\/what-should-patients-with-heart-valve-disease-pay-attention-to\/#Physical_Activity\" >Physical Activity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/en\/what-should-patients-with-heart-valve-disease-pay-attention-to\/#Salt_and_Fluid_Balance\" >Salt and Fluid Balance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/en\/what-should-patients-with-heart-valve-disease-pay-attention-to\/#Protection_from_Infections\" >Protection from Infections<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/en\/what-should-patients-with-heart-valve-disease-pay-attention-to\/#Use_of_Anticoagulants_Blood_Thinners\" >Use of Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/en\/what-should-patients-with-heart-valve-disease-pay-attention-to\/#Female_Patients_Planning_Pregnancy\" >Female Patients Planning Pregnancy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/en\/what-should-patients-with-heart-valve-disease-pay-attention-to\/#Which_Symptoms_Require_Urgent_Evaluation\" >Which Symptoms Require Urgent Evaluation?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/en\/what-should-patients-with-heart-valve-disease-pay-attention-to\/#Surgical_and_Interventional_Treatment_Process\" >Surgical and Interventional Treatment Process<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/en\/what-should-patients-with-heart-valve-disease-pay-attention-to\/#Psychological_and_Social_Dimension\" >Psychological and Social Dimension<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Heart_Valve_Disease_and_Why_Is_It_Important\"><\/span>What Is Heart Valve Disease and Why Is It Important?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Heart valve diseases may develop as a result of fibrotic thickening of the valves, calcification, structural deformation, or damage due to infections. Among the most common forms are aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation.<\/p>\n<p>As valve disease progresses, the heart muscle (myocardium) works under increased pressure or volume load. Over time, this may lead to left ventricular hypertrophy (thickening of the heart muscle), enlargement of the heart chambers, and ultimately the development of heart failure. Therefore, the disease is not only a \u201cvalve problem\u201d but a condition that concerns the entire cardiovascular system.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Importance_of_Regular_Cardiology_Follow-Up\"><\/span>The Importance of Regular Cardiology Follow-Up<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In heart valve disease, the frequency of follow-up varies depending on the type and severity of the disease. While annual echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound) may be sufficient in mild valve diseases, more frequent monitoring may be required in moderate and advanced stages.<\/p>\n<p>Echocardiography is the primary imaging method used to evaluate valve opening, the amount of backflow, and heart muscle function. When necessary, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and cardiac MRI may be used.<\/p>\n<p>With regular follow-up:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">The rate of progression of valve disease is monitored.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Signs of heart failure are detected early.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">The timing of surgical or interventional treatment is planned correctly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It should be remembered that follow-up intervals are determined individually.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Should_Be_Considered_in_Daily_Life\"><\/span>What Should Be Considered in Daily Life?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Physical_Activity\"><\/span>Physical Activity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Physical activity is generally beneficial for heart health. However, in the presence of advanced valve stenosis or severe regurgitation, intense exercises may pose a risk.<\/p>\n<p>Aerobic activities such as mild to moderate walking may be recommended for most patients; however, if symptoms such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Chest pain with exertion,<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Shortness of breath,<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Dizziness or a feeling of fainting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>occur, exercise should be stopped and a cardiology evaluation should be performed.<\/p>\n<p>Especially in advanced aortic stenosis, uncontrolled intense exercise may increase the risk of sudden cardiac events.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Salt_and_Fluid_Balance\"><\/span>Salt and Fluid Balance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If heart failure accompanies heart valve disease, sodium (salt) restriction becomes important. Excessive salt intake may cause fluid retention (edema) in the body and increase the burden on the heart.<\/p>\n<p>Depending on the patient\u2019s condition:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Daily salt intake may be limited.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">If necessary, fluid restriction may be recommended.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These adjustments must be made under a physician\u2019s supervision.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Protection_from_Infections\"><\/span>Protection from Infections<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In patients with valve disease, the risk of infective endocarditis may be higher than in healthy individuals. Infective endocarditis is a microbial infection of the heart valves and can lead to serious complications.<\/p>\n<p>Therefore:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Attention should be paid to oral and dental hygiene.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Gum diseases should be treated.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">In high-risk patients, antibiotic prophylaxis may be required before some dental procedures (this decision is made by the physician).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In cases of prolonged fever, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss, a doctor should be consulted without delay.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_of_Anticoagulants_Blood_Thinners\"><\/span>Use of Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Some valve patients, especially individuals with a mechanical valve prosthesis, may use lifelong anticoagulant therapy. These medications aim to prevent thrombus (clot) formation on the valve by reducing blood clotting.<\/p>\n<p>Points to consider in these patients:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Regular monitoring of INR levels,<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Not changing the medication dose outside the physician\u2019s recommendation,<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Monitoring signs of bleeding (gum bleeding, blood in urine, bruising).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Herbal products and some medications may interact with anticoagulants; therefore, a doctor should always be consulted before starting a new medication.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Female_Patients_Planning_Pregnancy\"><\/span>Female Patients Planning Pregnancy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In women with valve disease, pregnancy may increase cardiac workload. Especially in the presence of advanced valve stenosis or a mechanical valve, pregnancy may be high-risk.<\/p>\n<p>Therefore, patients planning pregnancy may need:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Joint evaluation by a cardiologist and an obstetrician,<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Planning an intervention before pregnancy if necessary,<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Rearranging anticoagulant therapy during pregnancy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The pregnancy process should be managed according to an individualized risk analysis.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Symptoms_Require_Urgent_Evaluation\"><\/span>Which Symptoms Require Urgent Evaluation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In heart valve patients, the following situations require medical evaluation without delay:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Sudden onset of severe shortness of breath<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Chest pain<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Fainting (syncope)<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Sudden swelling in the legs<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Palpitations and irregular heartbeat<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These symptoms may be indicators of heart failure, arrhythmia, or a sudden change in valve function.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Surgical_and_Interventional_Treatment_Process\"><\/span>Surgical and Interventional Treatment Process<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Treatment in valve disease is planned according to the severity of the disease and symptoms. While follow-up alone is sufficient for some patients, surgical valve repair or valve replacement (prosthetic valve) may be required in progressive cases.<\/p>\n<p>Today, in selected patients:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Percutaneous interventions such as MitraClip<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>can be applied as alternatives to surgery. However, which method is appropriate is determined after a detailed cardiological evaluation.<\/p>\n<p>Correct timing is critical in terms of being able to intervene before heart muscle damage develops.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Psychological_and_Social_Dimension\"><\/span>Psychological and Social Dimension<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Many patients diagnosed with heart valve disease may experience concerns such as \u201cWill I need surgery?\u201d or \u201cWill my life be restricted?\u201d This emotional process is completely natural.<\/p>\n<p>Regular physician follow-up, receiving transparent information about the stage of the disease, and psychological support when necessary may positively affect quality of life. Most patients can continue their daily lives with appropriate monitoring and treatment; however, it should be remembered that each situation is unique.-<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Heart valve patients should continue regular cardiology check-ups and fully comply with the treatment protocol planned by the physician. Symptoms such as sudden shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain, fainting, or swelling in the legs should be monitored carefully, and in the presence of signs of clinical deterioration, a healthcare facility should be consulted without [&#8230;]\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":918,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[79],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-919","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/919","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=919"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/919\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":939,"href":"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/919\/revisions\/939"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/918"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=919"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=919"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kadriyekilickesmez.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=919"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}