What Is Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR)?

AVR is a surgical procedure that replaces a failing aortic valve with a new one—either mechanical or biological. It’s typically performed to treat:

Aortic stenosis (narrowing of the valve)

Aortic regurgitation (leaky valve)

Congenital or age-related valve disease

The surgery can be done through traditional open-heart techniques or via a less invasive method known as TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement).

What Affects Life Expectancy After AVR?

Not all outcomes are the same—your life expectancy after AVR depends on several key factors:

1. Age at Time of Surgery

Younger patients tend to have longer post-op survival. However, even patients 80+ years old see substantial quality-of-life and longevity benefits.

Under 70: Many live 15–20+ years post-surgery

Age 70–79: Average of 10–14 years

Age 80+: Often gain 5–8 quality years, depending on overall health

2. Type of Valve Used

Mechanical valves are durable and can last a lifetime—but require blood thinners

Bioprosthetic valves (tissue-based) don’t require long-term anticoagulants but typically last 10–15 years

Choosing the right type depends on age, lifestyle, and clotting risk.

3. Surgical Method (TAVR vs. Open Heart)

Minimally invasive TAVR is now widely used, especially for older or high-risk patients.

Shorter recovery time

Lower immediate risk of complications

Increasingly available even to low-risk patients

TAVR has shown similar survival rates to open-heart AVR over 5–10 years in recent studies.

4. Preexisting Health Conditions

Chronic illnesses can reduce life expectancy after surgery, including:

Heart failure

Chronic kidney disease

Diabetes

Lung disease

However, treating valve dysfunction often improves these conditions, increasing lifespan indirectly.

5. Lifestyle After Surgery

Your post-op habits matter. Life expectancy improves with:

Regular follow-ups with a cardiologist

A heart-healthy diet

Daily light-to-moderate physical activity

Medication adherence

Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol

Smoking, sedentary behavior, and poor medication compliance can undo surgical gains.

What the Latest Data Shows (2025)

According to recent clinical registry reports:

The average life expectancy after AVR is now 12–18 years for patients under 70

For those 70–79, the median survival is around 11.1 years

Patients over 80 still gain meaningful years, often extending survival by 6–8 years or more

Patients who receive AVR before their condition becomes severe fare far better than those who delay surgery.

Quality of Life After Valve Replacement

Life expectancy is only part of the picture. Quality of life improves significantly for most patients:

Less fatigue and shortness of breath

Better sleep and energy

Greater ability to walk, climb stairs, and exercise

Lowered risk of stroke or heart failure

Most patients return to daily routines within 4–6 weeks of TAVR and 6–10 weeks of open surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

🩺 Can valve replacement cure heart disease?

It doesn't "cure" all heart issues, but it eliminates one major contributor to symptoms and risk.

🔄 Will I need a second surgery later?

Possibly. Tissue valves may need replacement after 10–15 years, while mechanical valves rarely do.

💉 Will I need to take medications forever?

Patients with mechanical valves require lifelong blood thinners. Others may need medications for blood pressure, cholesterol, or heart rhythm.

🏥 Is AVR safe for patients over 80?

Yes. TAVR has made valve replacement possible for older adults previously considered inoperable. Many 80+ patients report significant improvement in comfort and mobility.

Alternative Options to AVR

For patients who are not candidates for AVR, doctors may recommend:

Balloon valvuloplasty (short-term relief)

Medical management of symptoms

Watchful waiting (in mild cases)

However, AVR remains the gold standard for long-term survival and improved quality of life.