Preparing questions in advance can help patients to have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions related to heart valve procedures:

1. How do I know if I need a heart valve procedure?
   
   
2. What sorts of procedures are available to a person in my condition?
   
   
3. Am I taking any medications that might interfere with the surgery?
   
   
4. Do I need to make any special preparations prior to the procedure?
   
   
5. How likely is it that I will need a follow-up procedure?
   
   
6. Is there a chance that I will need to undergo this same procedure again someday?
   
   
7. How often will I need to visit my doctor after the surgery?
   
   
8. What type of artificial valve are you using to replace my valve? A mechanical valve or biological valve?
   
   
9. What are the advantages and disadvantages to the kind of artificial valve I'm receiving?
   
   
10. Will I need to take anticoagulant medications after the procedure? For how long? What is their purpose?
    
    
11. Which valve will you be performing the procedure on?
    
    
12. Will having this procedure affect my pregnancy?