“Weightlifting After Open Heart Valve Surgery?” asks Doug
Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 9, 2025
I was recently asked by Doug, a patient preparing for heart valve replacement, “Hi Adam, Have you been weightlifting after open heart surgery?” My answer to Doug was a definitive and delightful, “Yes. I have lifted weights after open heart surgery.”
However, I did not rush back into the weight room after heart valve replacement surgery. It took several months before I was lifting weights again. You should also know that I do not lift to bulk-up. Doctor Vaughn Starnes, my heart surgeon, told me that lifting heavy weights puts additional strain on the heart valves. Over time, the strain on the heart valves can become problematic – both before and after surgery. That said, Dr. Starnes told me to lift for tone (repetition) not for muscle build-up.
For more on this topic, I interviewed Dr. Robert Bonow, the former President of the American Heart Association and world-renowned cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, Illinois.
So you know, my path back to exercise started when I began taking cardiac rehabilitation classes shortly after my Ross Procedure. Please remember that heart valve surgery SHOULD NOT be the end of your active lifestyle. Many cardiac surgery patients have gone back to playing professional sports after surgery. However, to be incredibly safe, I suggest you contact your surgeon to discuss weightlifting after open heart surgery. As you probably are aware, every patient is unique.
Related Links:
- Justin Runs A Marathon 123 Days After Heart Surgery
- NHL Superstar, Henrik Lunqvist Interviews His Surgeon, Dr. Eric Roselli
Keep on tickin!
Adam
Written by Adam Pick
- Patient & Website Founder
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Dr. Gerdisch is a world-renowned heart valve surgeon that has performed over 4,000 heart valve repair and replacement operations that include minimally-invasive techniques.
