How does a mechanical heart valve work?

With each contraction of the ventricle, the aortic valve opens and allows blood to flow from the left ventricle into the aorta. When the ventricle relaxes, the aortic valve closes to prevent blood from flowing backward into the ventricle.

How long does a mechanical heart valve replacement last?

Mechanical valves don’t usually wear out. They usually last 20 years or more. Other problems might happen with the valve, such as an infection. As long as you have the valve, you and your doctor will need to watch for signs of problems.

How long can you live with a mechanical aortic valve?

How long will my heart valve last? Mechanical valves in some patients have lasted as long as 25 years without problems. Tissue valves in some patients have lasted as long as 15 years without problems.

Can a mechanical valve last 40 years?

Mechanical valves usually last 20 years or more. You are less likely to need a mechanical valve replaced in your lifetime. But they can cause blood clots, so you’ll take a blood thinner called warfarin (such as Coumadin).

Can you live a normal life with a mechanical heart valve?

Mechanical valves can last a lifetime, but they come with increased risks of blood clotting and bleeding, as well as the need to take the blood-thinning medication warfarin.

How do valves close in heart?

When the two atrium chambers contract, the tricuspid and mitral valves open, which both allow blood to move to the ventricles. When the two ventricle chambers contract, they force the tricuspid and mitral valves to close as the pulmonary and aortic valves open.

How do valves open and close?

The heart valves open and close passively because of pressure differences on either side of the valve. When pressure is greater behind the valve, the leaflets are blown open and the blood flows through the valve. However, when pressure is greater in front of the valve, the leaflets snap shut and blood flow is stopped.

Can you live 20 years after aortic valve replacement?

Pooled data from 85 studies estimated that 89.7% of people survived for two years after surgery, 78.4% at five years, 57.0% at 10 years, 39.7% at 15 years, and 24.7% at 20 years.

What can go wrong with a mechanical heart valve?

What are the risks of mechanical valves? The main risk of a mechanical valve is that you can get blood clots that could cause a heart attack or stroke. To prevent blood clots, you will take a blood thinner called warfarin (such as Coumadin) every day.

Can you drink alcohol with a mechanical heart valve?

Water – avoid sugary soft drinks and drink alcohol only in moderation.