A heart transplant includes the replacement of a failing or damaged heart with a healthy donor heart. It is a surgery suitable for those who have tried various operations or drugs but have not seen any improvement in their cardiac issues. With the proper follow-up treatment, the chances of survival following this procedure are good.
Here’s what a heart transplant patient might expect following surgery:
A patient is needed to stay in the intensive care unit after heart transplant surgery at one of the Best Heart Hospital in Gurgaon, India. After a few days in the ICU, they are transferred to a regular hospital room, and the hospitalisation usually lasts a week or two.
After leaving the hospital, the transplant team continuously observes the patient at the outpatient transplant centre. It is advisable to stay near the transplant centre for the first three months because of regular monitoring appointments. The patient is watched for indicators of rejection, such as weariness, weight gain, shortness of breath, fever, or irregular urine. If the patient sees any of these symptoms, they must immediately notify the transplant staff. Patients are scheduled for multiple follow-up sessions at the transplant centre, including routine procedures such as cardiac biopsies, blood tests, echocardiograms, and electrocardiograms. To determine if the patient’s body rejects the new heart, they will have numerous cardiac biopsies in the first few months following heart transplantation, when rejection is most likely to occur. The number of necessary biopsies performed diminishes over time.
Following a heart transplant, patients must make various long-term modifications. These are some examples:
Using Immunosuppressive Drugs
Taking immunosuppressive reduces the activity of the immune system, preventing it from attacking the donor’s heart. Because the patient’s immune system will almost certainly never completely accept the new organ, they will be forced to take some of these drugs for the rest of their lives.
However, there are specific adverse effects associated with the use of immunosuppressive. These drugs have been linked to weight gain, stomach issues, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, diabetes, cancer, acne, and facial hair.
Medications, Therapies, and a Long-Term Care Plan
Following a heart transplant, it is critical to take medications as prescribed by the doctor and adhere to a lifelong care plan. Patients may be given particular directions and lifestyle suggestions, including exercising, applying sunscreen, eating a balanced diet, and refraining from using tobacco products by their doctor. It is critical to take drugs on time every day to recover faster. There should also be a list that maintains track of all the drugs. This comes in handy in an emergency.
Cardiovascular Rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation programmes combine exercise and education with helping patients improve their health and recover faster after a transplant. Several cardiac rehabilitation-trained staff members assist patients in transitioning to healthy lifestyle modifications such as frequent physical activity and a Healthy Heart diet.
Patients may feel overwhelmed due to new medical therapy and the stress of receiving a heart transplant. Several people who have undergone heart transplants are concerned about their health and the future. Talking to any of the experts at heart transplant centres will help you relax. Furthermore, transplant centres frequently include support groups and other tools to assist patients.
Conclusion
Most heart transplant surgery patients may be able to resume many of their daily activities, such as exercising, working, and engaging in hobbies and sports, depending on their health. If they receive the proper follow-up treatment, most people who have a heart transplant in India have an excellent quality of life…