Heart Valve Surgery and Your Mood
Preparing for heart valve surgery can feel overwhelming. There are so many logistics to think about that considering your emotions may not be a priority.
But they should be. Nearly 25% of heart valve patients feel depressed after surgery, even when it goes well. This is called cardiac depression.
Don’t let this statistic scare you, though. Knowing what you may experience emotionally after surgery can help you prepare for it—and identify it—if depression does happen. Tell your healthcare team about your mental health so they can help and provide resources. In addition, here are some ways to manage your mood post-op.
Talk about your feelings
It’s important to talk to those around you. Make sure your friends and family are thinking about how you’re feeling mentally as well as physically. It is important to know how to recognize signs of depression. Common signs include:
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Feeling sad, anxious, hopeless, pessimistic, or “empty”
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Noticing a loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
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Having less energy or feeling slowed down
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Feeling irritable, tired, or restless
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Having difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
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Struggling with sleeping, getting up in the morning, or oversleeping
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Having changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes
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Having physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that don’t have a clear cause
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Experiencing thoughts of death or suicide
If you’re having any of these symptoms, tell your healthcare team right away. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicine and/or therapy to help with your depression. Remember, it’s OK to ask for help.
If you’re having thoughts of suicide, get to an ER immediately. You can also call 988. This hotline provides 24/7 support, and it's free and confidential.
Keep up with a routine
You need to take it easy as you recover from heart surgery. Your body needs time to heal. But adding simple daily movement is something you can do to boost your mood. Try a 5- to 10-minute walk if you’re cleared by your provider to do so. Gradually add more time to your walk when you feel up to it.
Recovering from surgery definitely changes up your old routine. You may feel bored or listless because you can’t do as much as you used to. But there are many easy tasks you can do with little effort that will help you feel more like yourself. Even if you don’t need to leave the house, getting dressed can make you feel better.
Think about other tasks that can give your mental health a boost, too. Make a plan to keep them in your routine during recovery. Try making a checklist to help you build up your routines again. It may start with something as simple as getting out of bed each day and making sure you move around for a very short time. It seems small, but it can go a long way in helping you feel better.
Stay connected
You may feel isolated as you recover. Stay in touch with your loved ones as much as you can. Talk on the phone, use Facetime, or text with your friends and family. Invite family or friends over for a visit. Interactions with people you enjoy, no matter how short, will boost your mood. A few weeks into your recovery, you may be able to plan small in-person activities. Talk with your healthcare team about what’s OK to do.
There are many others out there who’ve had heart valve surgery just like you. Finding those people can provide support. Check with your healthcare team to find out how to connect with others who have been in your shoes.
Manage your expectations
Recovering from heart valve surgery is a journey. You won’t bounce back to your old life immediately, which can be frustrating. But feeling like yourself after a big surgery takes time. Keeping this in mind can help you manage your expectations as you heal. Be patient with yourself, both physically and mentally.
Honor your progress
Celebrate your small wins on the long road to recovery. The American Heart Association has this chart to help track your progress. Recognize each time you reach a milestone. A positive outlook can go a long way.
After heart valve surgery, your healthcare team will be monitoring your heart. But don’t forget that you need to monitor your mood, too. It makes sense that you might feel down after such a major surgery and big life change. But if you think you might be depressed, reach out to your healthcare team to get the help you need. They’re there for you—along with your friends and family, too.