Lifestyle and home remedies

You'll have regular follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your condition.

It's a good idea to make several heart-healthy lifestyle changes, including:

• Eating a heart-healthy diet. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, poultry, fish, and whole grains. Avoid saturated and trans fats and excess salt and sugar.
• Maintaining a healthy weight. Aim to keep a healthy weight. If you're overweight or obese, your doctor may recommend losing weight.
• Getting regular physical activity. Aim to include about 30 minutes of physical activity, such as brisk walks, in your daily fitness routine.
• Managing stress. Try relaxation activities, such as meditation and deep breathing; stay physically active; and spend time with family and friends.
• Avoiding tobacco. If you smoke, quit. Ask your doctor about resources to help you quit smoking. Joining a support group may be helpful.

For women with heart valve disease, talk with your doctor before you become pregnant. Your doctor can discuss with you which medications you can safely take, and whether you need a procedure to treat your valve condition before pregnancy.

You'll likely require close monitoring by your doctor during pregnancy. If you have a severe valve condition, your doctor might recommend against pregnancy to reduce the risk of complications.