From Dr. El Sabbagh: Great question. The ability to regain exercise tolerance after valve surgery depends on multiple factors, including whether not you have other comorbidities, your baseline level of fitness and functionality before surgery, the extent of damage to the heart from chronic valvular heart disease, medications as well as surgical outcomes. We encourage you to stay active as you are. If you feel that you are not reaching an adequate level of activity and fitness, please consult with your cardiologist to look for the possible causes and who can help you improve your functional capacity.