LIFE BEFORE DURING AND AFTER A HEART TRANSPLANT

A heart transplant is conducted on a patient at the heart transplant services in Hyderabad when all the other treatments have failed. The surgical process of removing a diseased heart and being replaced with a healthy heart is defined as a heart transplant. Heart failure, Coronary artery diseases, volvular heart diseases and a previous heart transplant procedure are the reasons for transplanting a heart.

Who cannot undergo a heart transplant ?

• Conditions that don’t allow a transplant include :
• People older than 65
• Patients with blockages in the arteries of the arms/legs
• People who have had cancer earlier
• Patients who are not ready to quit smoking or drinking

Risks and Complications involved in a Heart Transplant :

The transplanted heart may be completely rejected by the immune system. In order to suppress the rejection of the heart, immune suppressants are given to the patients. Any negligence in taking the medications as prescribed can get fatal. Biopsies are conducted now and then to ensure the heart in functioning well. Shortness of breath, no urination, weakness and weight gain are the symptoms that your body is rejecting the new heart.

Preparations prior a Heart Transplant :

Patients with the below mentioned conditions are either removed from the waiting list or is asked to clear the issues before they undergo a heart transplant.

• Lifestyle habits of the patients are evaluated
• Medical history
• If the patients are prone to strokes or infections

People with medical urgency with the blood type A, B, O, AB, antibodies, compatible donor organ and time are given preference in the waiting list.

The patient is finally checked for new medical issues for which he will undergo few more tests before he gets ready for the procedure.

What happens during the Heart Transplant?

The medical team would comprise of the heart transplant surgery specialist, support staff, anaesthetists. The entire procedure may take 3-5 hours. Since the donor heart can be stored up to 6 hours the transplant procedure must be completed within the stipulated time.

After the Heart Transplant:

A first dose of immune suppressant is given prior to the surgery. The patient is shifted to high dependency step down area where he is totally infection free. Immunosuppressnats and antibiotics are given in high doses. There is a possible weight gain after the transplant which can be controlled by exercising-strictly with the help of a trainer. High doses of steroids may lead to mood swings in the patients. Biopsy and echocardiogram is conducted periodically to ensure the heart is functioning well.

A periodic follow up is necessary says the best heart transplant surgeons in Hyderabad to monitor the healthy state of the new heart. Through rehabilitation programmes and physiotherapy sessions the patients are adviced on healthy lifestyles after the transplant.

Why KIMS?

KIMS is one of the best heart transplant centres in Hyderabad. They monitor and ensure the patient is on a road to recovery starting from the first time he registers for a heart transplant till after the transplant. Since it is a major surgery and complications could arise the famous heart transplant surgeons who operate on the patients keep a strict vigil on their patients to have a successful heart transplant surgery.