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"Will I Be Wearing Compression Stockings After Heart Surgery In The Intensive Care Unit?" Asks Dave

Written By: Adam Pick, Patient Advocate, Author & Website Founder
Page Last Updated: June 8, 2025

I just received a question from Dave about the use of compression stockings after heart surgery.

Dave writes, "Adam – The time is here. I'm going in for mitral valve repair (not replacement I hope) due to severe mitral regurgitation and an enlarged heart. Yesterday, I was at a barbecue when a friend told me that I should expect to be in annoying compression stockings after heart surgery - when I wake up in the intensive care unit (ICU). Is that true? Thanks, Dave"

Compression Stockings

While I can not speak for all patients, I can assure Dave that when I woke up in the intensive care unit, I was wearing compression stockings after my heart valve surgery. Like the ventilator tube, this was not expected.

However, I didn't find the stockings to be annoying or irritating. After the surgery, I was thrilled to be alive. That said, I was pretty accepting of all the medical gizmos that were either on me or surrounding me. I would later learn that these stockings are medically referred to as compression stockings.

According to St. Vincent's Private Hospital, compression stockings after heart surgery are actually worn by their patients throughout the hospital stay. Their team states, "Compression stockings after heart surgery help control the swelling in your legs, improve circulation and decrease the risk of clot formation. If you have coronary artery bypass surgery with a graft taken from your leg, the stockings are worn day and night for four weeks. – St. Vincent's Hospital"

I hope this helps Dave (and perhaps you) manage your expectations specific to the use of compression stockings after heart surgery.

Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

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