Hello, Having an artificial valve does not mean that your life expectancy is low. The most important thing is having your medicines properly, having a healthy diet, moderate exercise, periodic medical examinations and above all a stress free life. With above changes your cardiac function that is ejection fraction will improve over time. You should get regular echocardiography examinations done to assess the valve positions and leaflet motion. Medicines like angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors will help in preventing cardiac remodeling and improve your cardiac function. Try to lead a healthy and tension free life. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Meera Rajeev, Anesthesiologist