In most cases, replacing a diseased or damaged heart valve can lengthen or even save a life. Untreated, valvular heart disease can lead to heart failure and/or death. There are a number of rare but possible complications that could arise from the surgery needed to insert the mechanical heart valve.

Rarely, there may be a problem with the mechanical heart valve itself. Patients are encouraged to document the make, model and serial number of their mechanical heart valve in case any problems are announced in the future. For example, the Bjork-Shiley valve was used from 1979 to 1986, but has since been taken off the market due to safety concerns. Patients who believe they have these valves should consult a physician. Additionally, patients with mechanical heart valves will probably be monitored annually for signs of valve failure or complications.

The most significant ongoing risk for people with mechanical heart valves is the potential for blood clot formation. The ability of blood to clump together and form clots (coagulation) is a natural and necessary response to disease or injury. However, when clots form around a mechanical valve, patients are at an increased risk of a malfunction with the valve or a stroke. To reduce this risk, patients with mechanical valves will need to take anticoagulant medications for the rest of their lives. The dosage of these medications will be adjusted periodically to keep each patient’s risk as low as possible.