Frequently Asked Questions
A heart transplant is a surgical procedure where a diseased or failing heart is replaced with a healthy heart from a deceased donor or, in some cases, a living donor.
Heart transplants are typically reserved for individuals with end-stage heart failure or severe heart disease that cannot be effectively treated with other medical or surgical interventions.
The most common reasons for needing a heart transplant include coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle), congenital heart defects, valvular heart disease, or complications from previous heart surgeries.
Eligibility for a heart transplant is determined through a thorough evaluation process conducted by a transplant team. Factors considered include the severity of the heart condition, overall health, age, psychological stability, and the ability to adhere to post-transplant care.
Risks include rejection of the donor heart by the recipient's immune system, infection, bleeding, blood clots, and complications from immunosuppressive medications used to prevent rejection. Long-term risks also include organ rejection, complications from medications, and the development of other health issues.
Recovery time varies from person to person but typically involves a hospital stay of several weeks followed by a gradual return to normal activities over the course of several months. Cardiac rehabilitation and ongoing medical care are essential components of the recovery process.
With proper care and adherence to medical recommendations, many recipients can expect to live for many years after a heart transplant. However, individual outcomes vary, and ongoing monitoring and management of the transplant recipient's health are necessary to optimize long-term survival.