What is the recovery time for aortic valve replacement?

The recovery time for aortic valve replacement surgery is several weeks, and those with strenuous or physical jobs may need up to 12 weeks to recover enough to work, according to WebMD. The Texas Heart Institute says that patients with sedentary office jobs may return to work after four weeks.

The surgery itself takes up to four hours, and patients typically have to stay in the intensive care unit under close supervision for up to three days after surgery. Staying in the hospital for up to one week after surgery is common, and some patients may need rehabilitation to ensure the heart is working properly, according to the Texas Heart institute.