Heart Transplant: A Life-Saving Procedure for Advanced Heart Disease
A heart transplant is a complex surgical procedure performed to replace a diseased or failing heart with a healthy donor heart. It is often considered the last resort for patients with severe heart conditions that cannot be managed through medications, lifestyle changes, or other surgical interventions.
Life After a Heart Transplant
A successful heart transplant can significantly improve energy levels and overall health. Patients must adhere to strict medical regimens, including immunosuppressive therapy, to maintain the transplanted heart's function.
The Heart Transplant Process
The journey of a heart transplant involves several stages:
- Evaluation and Listing: Patients undergo thorough medical evaluations to determine eligibility. Once approved, they are placed on a transplant waiting list.
- Donor Match: When a donor heart becomes available, compatibility is assessed based on blood type, body size, and other factors.
- Surgery: During the transplant, the diseased heart is removed, and the donor heart is carefully implanted and connected to the major blood vessels.
- Recovery: Patients typically spend a few weeks in the hospital, followed by regular check-ups and long-term medication to prevent organ rejection.
Abnormal results from other heart tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or stress test. This procedure is also used to assess the severity of blockages before planning treatments like angioplasty, stent placement, or coronary artery bypass surgery.