Impact of Prompt Exercise Program on Functional Level and Quality of Life After Tricuspid Valve Repair with the Cyst. A Case Report

Abstract

Heart valve disease is potentially fatal once symptoms appear, and it has a significant impact on the daily life and health-related quality of life of patients. Surgical therapy, consisting of the replacement or repair of valves, is still the preferred method of treatment. Tricuspid valve disorder is a common ailment that is still poorly treated. Surgical tricuspid restoration is only performed on selected patients. The incidence of blood-filled cysts either single or multiple on the valves of the heart is rare in older children and adults. A 33-year-old housewife presented with complaints of dyspnea, heaviness of both limbs and occasional palpitations. After the echocardiography and MRI, she was diagnosed with a tricuspid valve blood cyst for which she underwent surgery. We believe that following heart valve surgery, immediate enrollment in cardiac rehabilitation programs will improve functional capacity and self-efficacy while also lowering hospitalization and healthcare burden. After surgery, cardiac rehabilitation was started to reverse the symptoms of deconditioning and resolve the complaints of dyspnea and weakness. The patient’s cardiac rehabilitation consists of an inpatient and home exercise program along with complete patient education and follow-up. It was concluded that cardiac rehabilitation effectively resolved the dyspnea and increased the patient's exercise tolerance capacity. It made the patient functionally independent. The patient regained her strength more quickly after surgery than expected.