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"How Often Should I Get An Echocardiogram After Heart Surgery?" Asks Jim

Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: May 12, 2025

Jim just sent me this question about an echocardiogram after heart surgery. He writes, "Adam - How often should an echocardiogram be performed after surgery. I had my aortic valve replaced. Thanks, Jim"

As I've shared before, each patient situation is unique. However, unless there are post-operative complications, many of the patients I speak with have an echocardiogram after heart surgery is typically performed once a year. FYI, I'm one of those patients. Each December, I spend 30 minutes with Loretta, the technician at Torrance Memorial Hospital, for the echocardiogram. After that, Dr. Rosin, my cardiologist, reviews the film with me. So far, so good.

One final note, I've also learned that some patients have echocardiograms performed less frequently as their post-operative time extends beyond three years. Still, most patients I chat with visit their cardiologist at least once a year for a check-up even if an echocardiogram is not performed.

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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