TAVR Recovery: Life After Your TAVR
Some patient feel immediate relief from their symptoms soon after their TAVR procedure, but it is very common to take a little longer to get back to normal.
There is research that shows patients who undergo TAVR have reduction in symptoms, improvement in ability to take care of themselves, improved heart function, and improvement in overall quality of life at 30 days.
Most patients are able to return to work within two weeks after the procedure. You should talk to your doctor to determine when it is safe for you to return. You should be able to get back to your day-to-day activities within a few days after your procedure.
Limitations after TAVR for most people include no heavy lifting over five to 10 lbs. for one week. Patients may not drive for a week and should not submerge the incision site(s) in water, such as a bathtub, swimming pool or hot tub. Showering is allowed. We highly encourage you to participate in outpatient cardiovascular rehabilitation. This program will safely assist you to increasing your physical activity while assisting with risk reduction, medication and nutrition education. Your physician will refer you to a cardiac rehab clinic on your post-operative office visit.
Your medication regimen may change based on your individualized needs during your hospital stay. After the TAVR procedure, you will need to take antibiotics prior to any dental cleaning or procedures to prevent against infection of your heart valve. Ask your care team about medication changes prior to discharge.
TAVR Recovery: Follow-Up
You should have a follow up appointment arranged a week from your procedure. Within 30 days of your procedure you should have an echocardiogram, then yearly after that with your cardiologist.
It is important to follow up with your cardiologist and primary care physician in between these appointments.
Learn more about Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in this section of the website or call 760-837-8350 to make an appointment with a member of the Heart Valve Team to discuss whether TAVR is a fit for your situation and how Eisenhower’s award-winning TAVR team approaches aortic valve replacement.
