How long to take diuretics after valve replacement surgery

The duration of diuretics after valve replacement should be judged according to the cardiac function status, and most of them need to be taken for 3~6 months. After valve replacement, in order to reduce the preload of the heart, generally need to follow the doctor’s instructions to take furosemide, spironolactone and other diuretics, in order to reduce the effective circulating blood volume, reduce the pressure of sodium retention on the heart, so as to improve cardiac function, and correct the heart failure. However, it is generally not necessary to take it for a long period of time. If the review suggests that the heart function has recovered well, the dosage can be gradually reduced under the guidance of the doctor until the drug is discontinued. However, if the heart function is poor, it is necessary to appropriately extend the time of taking the drug. It should be noted that if the cardiac function improves significantly after the operation, the time of taking diuretics can be shortened accordingly, and attention should be paid to monitoring ionic changes. During the medication period, daily urine output should be observed and potassium citrate should be taken to replenish potassium under doctor’s advice.