Post-TAVR Lifting Restrictions
You should avoid heavy lifting for approximately 1-2 weeks after TAVR, with the primary concern being protection of the vascular access site until it has adequately healed.
Access Site Healing Timeline
The lifting restriction after TAVR is fundamentally different from traditional open-heart surgery because TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure performed through a catheter, most commonly via the femoral artery. The key limitation is access site healing rather than sternal precautions 1.
Immediate Post-Procedure Period (0-3 Days)
- Early mobilization is encouraged as soon as the access site allows, which typically means walking within hours to the first day after the procedure 1
- The access site must be carefully monitored for bleeding, hematoma, or pseudoaneurysm formation during this critical period 1
- Physical and occupational therapy assessment should be performed to determine appropriate activity levels 1
First 1-2 Weeks Post-Discharge
While the ACC Expert Consensus does not specify an exact timeframe for lifting restrictions, the emphasis on mobilizing as soon as the access site allows and encouraging physical activity suggests restrictions are primarily access-site dependent 1, 2.
Practical recommendations based on vascular access healing:
- Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds for the first 1-2 weeks to prevent strain on the femoral access site
- Avoid straining, pushing, or pulling that increases intra-abdominal pressure during this period
- The specific duration depends on your access approach (transfemoral access typically heals faster than transapical or transaortic approaches) 1
Beyond 2 Weeks
- Cardiac rehabilitation and promotion of physical activity are appropriate and encouraged after the access site has healed 1, 2
- Unlike surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), there are no sternal precautions with TAVR, allowing for more rapid return to normal activities 1
- Early discharge within 72 hours does not increase complications in selected transfemoral TAVR patients, further supporting the less restrictive recovery profile 1
Critical Monitoring Points
Your TAVR team should provide specific instructions based on:
- Your access approach (transfemoral vs. transapical vs. transaortic) 1
- Any access site complications (bleeding, hematoma, pseudoaneurysm) 1
- Your overall functional status and comorbidities 1
Common Pitfall to Avoid
The most important pitfall is confusing TAVR recovery with traditional open-heart surgery recovery 1. TAVR patients do not have sternal precautions and can mobilize much more quickly, but they must still protect the vascular access site during the initial healing period 1.
Always follow your specific TAVR team's instructions, as they know your individual access approach and any complications that may require modified restrictions 1, 3, 4.