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"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.

Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

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