If one or two of the heart valves is defective or damaged, it can affect the blood flow in two ways:

• If the valve doesn't open fully, it obstructs the blood flow. This is called narrowing or blood stenosis.
• If the valve doesn't close properly, the blood will leak backward. This is called valve incompetence, a leaky valve, or regurgitation.

Surgery is the best option to improve the symptoms of heart valve damage. Valve surgery is a risky surgery. It depends on a person's age, present health condition, and stage of valve disease. The valve replacement surgery cost in India is approximately 3 to 5 lakhs. A good surgeon will introduce you to the benefits and risks of the procedure, which include-

1. Minimally invasive heart surgery doesn't involve cutting the breastbone but instead uses small incisions, making it less painful.
2. Patients have less scarring and an improved cosmetic result.
3. With minimally invasive heart surgery, patients typically return home after 2-5 days of surgery, leading to reduced costs.
4. Post-surgery infection, bleeding, and other complications are much less.
5. Over time you will be able to engage in everyday activities again.
6. Lower risk of stroke that reduces injury to the heart
7. Reduced need for a transfusion
8. The lower death rate among women and high-risk patients
9. Fewer problems with thinking and memory loss.
10. Lesser heart rhythm problems

Every patient heals at their speed. The total strength and fitness determine a person's recovery. As the new prosthetic heart valve begins to improve the heart and work more efficiently, the effects of the old, damaged valve on the body will progressively disappear. Some factors determine which surgery is more suitable. However, patients should take precautions after the surgery, like keeping the body in motion to avoid laziness and not indulge in vigorous exercises.