If you’ve recently undergone heart valve repair, your cardiologist likely recommends cardiac rehab to maximize your recovery and avoid further heart problems. At Longwood Cardiac Recovery & Rehabilitation Center in Longwood, Florida, Doctor of Physical Therapy Sergio Sepúlveda Sunez, DPT, offers comprehensive cardiac rehab to optimize your results after heart valve surgery. Schedule an in-office or virtual evaluation by phone or request one online today.

What is heart valve repair?

Heart valve repair is a procedure in which your surgeon repairs one or more of your heart valves due to weakness, narrowing, leaking blood, stiffening, or other defects. If one or more of your heart valves is damaged, your heart must work harder to pump blood. This may increase your risk of life-threatening problems when left untreated.

After heart valve repair, cardiac rehab and therapy at Longwood Cardiac Recovery & Rehabilitation Center can optimize your recovery. Dr. Sepúlveda Sunez takes a holistic, patient-centered, and integrative approach to care.

Who might need heart valve repair?

Reasons your cardiologist may recommend heart valve repair include:

• Mitral valve problems
• Aortic valve disease
• Tricuspid valve disease
• Congenital heart defect
• Pulmonary valve disease
• Angina (chest pain)
• Dizziness
• Breathing problems
• Palpitations 
• Fainting
• Swelling (edema) in your belly, ankles, or feet
• Rapid weight gain from fluid retention

Heart valve repair can be performed during open-heart surgery or using minimally invasive techniques. In severe cases, you might need heart valve replacement. 

How can cardiac rehab help after heart valve repair?

After completing heart valve repair and getting the okay from your cardiologist, you can begin cardiac rehab at Longwood Cardiac Recovery & Rehabilitation Center. 

Dr. Sepúlveda Sunez offers convenient virtual assessments for initial consultations and follow-up appointments. He personalizes cardiac rehabilitation programs based on your specific needs and lifestyle. 

Your customized rehab plan after heart valve repair surgery may include:

• Pritikin intensive cardiac rehab (ICR)
• Vestibular screening for balance disorders and dizziness
• Heart-healthy nutrition education
• Stress management
• Long-term behavior change strategies
• Emotional support
• Smoking cessation
• Routine patient monitoring
• Transportation assistance
• Doctor referral program

Longwood Cardiac Recovery & Rehabilitation Center specializes in ICR, a structured cardiac rehabilitation program that combines lifestyle education with supervised exercise. The program can help you regain strength, mobility, and endurance with a lower risk of further complications.

Longwood Cardiac Recovery & Rehabilitation Center uses innovative CardiaLine, a diagnostic and non-diagnostic cardiopulmonary monitoring system offering remote patient monitoring. It can track your progress over time and guide treatment decisions. Follow up with Dr. Sepúlveda Sunez for routine rehab sessions to maximize long-term health outcomes.  

Maximize recovery after heart valve repair with cardiac rehab and therapy at Longwood Cardiac Recovery & Rehabilitation Center. Call the office or request an in-person or virtual appointment online today.