Warfarin after mitral valve repair surgery

Morning

I was diagnosed with mitral valve regurgitation world 10 years ago ,after a yearly ecg this time the cardiologist decided I need to get my mitral valve repaired ,I don't have any symptoms but from the ecg he could see it was getting worse . After seeing the surgery he said he was to try and repair it but if this was not possible a new mechanical valve would be fitted after which I would be on warfarin for rest of life ,can anyone tell me if a repair is successful how long I would be on warfarin for as I believe it won't be for life ?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! A friend's wife has a tissue valve replacement and two other valves replaced. My understanding is that Warfarin may be required for 3 - 6 months depending on the valve(s) worked on. Your cardiologist should be able to give you specifics.

[Hidden in reply to MichaelJH]

Many thanks for the info 😊

[Yorkshirehead]

HiJohnnyp123,

I can’t answer your question but I can tell you that I have been taking Warfarin since 1982, when I had my aortic valve replaced, and have had no issues.

Best wishes.

[Hidden in reply to Yorkshirehead]

Many thanks 😊

[Fredders]

I had my aortic valve replaced and am on warfarin for life, but I don’t think that’s the case for the mitral valve. Your cardiologist will be able to tell you. I haven’t had any problems with it, so nothing to worry about.

Wendy

[Hidden]

Many thanks will have to talk to cardiologist 😊

[Ianc2]

If a mechanical valve is fitted you will need to go on warfarin for life.. It will dramatically reduce your chance of a stroke. I take warfarin, it can be thought of as a very cheap and easy insurance policy?

[Hidden in reply to Ianc2]

Thanks for your reply 😊

[Hidden in reply to Ianc2]

Looking at your profile photo you like to walk and exercise , had taking warfarin effected your life much ?

[Ianc2 in reply to Hidden]

As far as I can tell it hasn't affected me at all. I have been slowly but surely getting fitter since I had my valves fixed. The only problem is remembering to take them on time.

[Hidden in reply to Ianc2]

Was it valve repairs or replacement valves you had ? There was no mention by the surgeon about warfarin if he manages to repair my mitral valve but if he has to replace with a mechanical valve I’m on warfarin for the rest of my days . Many thanks for your reply’s .

[Doodlebug63 in reply to Ianc2]

Sorry to jump in on this post but regarding taking your medication on time; I set up a great free app on my husbands phone (& mine) called Medisafe. Free app and it reminds him to take his Warfarin each evening and other meds each morning. If he forgets and doesn’t respond to the apps reminder I get a warning. I hope this might be useful to you.

[Ianc2]

Several valves repaired, heart remodelled and an annuloplasty ring fitted to my mitral valve. Fitted in May 2014. I was 69 at the time and was advised to commence warfarin immediately as a protective measure.

As part of the briefing beforehand a mechanical valve was discussed and it was explained to me that essentially blood sticks to mechanical valves and that warfarin would be essential in that case.

I agreed that the surgeon would decide after opening up my heart and inspecting it what course of action would be followed, either a repair, a biological valve or a mechanical valve.

A repair was possible and was completed successfully. I regard taking warfarin as an effective insurance policy to minimise the chances of a stroke if possible. An influencing thought was the fact that the effects of warfarin can be rapidly negated by the application of the antidote vitamin K.

[Hidden in reply to Ianc2]

Many thanks Ianc2 for sharing that with me 😊

[Doodlebug63 in reply to Ianc2]

Good to read your positive outcome/outlook. My husband is due Mitral Valve surgery next week so we are obviously both nervous but really keeping our fingers crossed it goes ahead now after a wait of 13 months since diagnosis of Severe Mitral Regurgitatation, with AF. The wait has seen a deterioration in his health so we are hoping once the op is done and he recovers from the operation he can get back to his previous fitness levels. He will be 69 soon too.

Thanks for sharing!

[Chronic25_Catlover in reply to Ianc2]

I have an Annulopasty ring on my Mitral valve as part of my repair however mines still leaking I'm not on Warfarin I'm just on Aspirin,Ramipril and Bisoprolol so may be for different people what meds go on and maybe age?,I am only a young un haha no offence ;),I have only known about Warfarin for replacements short term for one and rest of life for other.

[Irishwolfhound]

Hi Johnnyp123

I had my mitral valve repaired in Nov 2018 after a severe MVR and I was only on warfarin for a few days after surgery while in the hospital, I wasn’t prescribed it when I left. Hope that helps.

[Hidden in reply to Irishwolfhound]

I’m looking at repair surgery early next year and due to possible restrictions at my workplace being on warfarin could be a big issue . Hopefully a repair is possible and surgeon says he’s confident he can so fingers crossed , thank for the information 😊

[Chronic25_Catlover]

If it's a repair I believe you don't at all or atleast I didn't mine wasn't successfull though but can't see if was that you would tbh and I believe a replacement one you are for short term and other long term

[Hidden]

Hi Folks

It has now been just over two weeks since my surgery and the surgeon did manage to repair my valve and fit an annuloplasty ring to the mitral valve . The surgeon managed to do it by the “ minimal invasive technique” , I have a 2/3 inch scar above my right hand nipple and 2/3 inch scar by my groin area where they inserted the bypass pump tube so I believe .

All being well repair should last 10/15 years before anything else needs done . I am on warfarin for 6 weeks just to let my heart “configure “ to the new set up so to speak . I didn’t have any real symptoms before op but can definitely notice a difference to the good after the op , less palpitations etc . Thanks and good luck to all 😊

[tannerlove]

I just had a minimally invasive mitral valve repair done 10 days ago, what an amazing surgery wow, they also put a tissue ring around to protect valve. I was told because it was a repair it is good for life. My only issue is bp is always so low now just went off water pills to see if that helps. I will be on warfarin and 1 baby aspirin a day for 3 month