The clicking sound after mechanical heart valve replacement: Can it hinder the level of physical activity in patient? - A case report.

Abstract

The audible closure of the replaced mechanical heart valve, called ‘clicking sound’ has impact on the sleep and quality of life. We present a case of a 25-year-old male who reported five months after his mitral valve replacement, with restriction in physical activity, social and occupational participation due to disturbance caused by the constant clicking sound of the valve. Cardiac rehabilitation was implemented for four weeks. All the exercises were performed with the patient perceiving and understanding the safety of the clicking of valve to alleviate his fear. Correct patient education regarding clicking of replaced valve not only regained confidence, physical activity levels but also helped him to restart his job within four weeks of physiotherapy rehabilitation. Hence the impact of this study is that, the continuous valve noise though healthy can be a hinderance to physical activity levels and should not be underestimated.