Dr. Marc Gerdisch on Exercise Before and After Valve Surgery

Can you safely exercise if you have heart valve disease? In this video, Dr. Marc Gerdisch discusses how the answer depends on the type and severity of the condition. He explains why patients with mild valve disease may be able to remain active, how moderate valve insufficiency differs from stenosis, and why people with severe disease—particularly severe aortic stenosis—need more individualized precautions. He also highlights symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and dizziness that should prompt follow-up with a physician.

Dr. Gerdisch also discusses physical activity before and after heart valve surgery. He describes his team’s use of prehabilitation to help patients prepare for an operation and an enhanced recovery program designed to support an earlier return to everyday life. Recovery timelines and exercise restrictions vary by patient, procedure, and medical history, so patients should follow the instructions of their own surgical and cardiology teams. (Video posted on October 21, 2026)