Essential Precautions for a Successful Recovery After a Heart Transplant

Heart transplant is a well-known therapy for end-stage heart failure. It is a complex cardiothoracic surgery that most patients are scared of. However, with recent medical technology advancements, heart transplants' survival rate has improved significantly. According to the reports published, the 1-year survival rate of heart transplants is more than 90%. 

Undergoing a heart transplant procedure at a reputed hospital is necessary for successful results. Various cardiac surgery hospitals in India, Turkey, Thailand, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates provide excellent patient care.

After the heart transplant is done, there are various precautions that a patient must follow for the proper functioning of the new heart. This blog will help you understand all the necessary steps to be taken to keep the transplanted heart healthy.

What is a Heart Transplant?

A heart transplant is a surgical procedure done to replace a failing heart with a healthier donor heart. It is performed when medications and other treatment modalities cannot manage heart failure. Heart failure can be caused by –

• Cardiomyopathy
• Coronary Artery Disease
• Heat Valve Disease
• Recurring Arrhythmias
• Congenital Heart Defects
• Failure of Previous Heart Transplant

The heart transplant might be clubbed with another organ transplant as well. Lungs, kidneys, and liver are the common organs that are also transplanted along with the heart.

What are the Precautions to be Followed After a Heart Transplant?

• Once the patient has undergone a heart transplant, they are taken to the cardiothoracic intensive care unit, where specially trained physicians and nurses will look after them. 
• Deep breathing and coughing exercises help inflate the lungs and cough out any secretions settled in the lungs during the surgery. 
• Pain medicines are prescribed to manage the pain after the surgery. The length of the stay in the ICU depends on patient to patient but is generally 2-3 days.
• Since the patient is on immunosuppressants, there are chances of various bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.

Precautions that need to be followed after a heart transplant include – 

Recovery at Home

• The usual time for the incisions to heal is 6 to 8 weeks. 
• Keeping the incision clean and dry is necessary.
• Do not rub the incision until the skin is healed and the scabs are gone.
• Do not use any lotion or ointments on the incision site.
• Avoid driving vehicles for 6 to 8 weeks.
• Do not lift objects heavier than 5 – 10 kgs.

Nutrition

• Eating a balanced diet is necessary for the transplanted heart to work well. 
• Eat five portions of fresh vegetables and fruits per day and plenty of wholegrain foods.
• Avoiding too much salt, sugar, and saturated fat is essential for a faster recovery.
• If you had a heart liver transplant, you must avoid alcohol. 
• Consult a dietician who will make a proper diet plan to keep the heart healthy.

Medicines

• You'll be required to take the medicines lifelong so the body does not reject the transplanted heart. Take the medication as prescribed by the cardiothoracic surgeon.
• Report any changes you observe in the body to the transplant surgeon or coordinator.
• Do not stop or change the drugs without consulting the specialist.
• Always tell the transplant surgeon before starting any new medicine.
• Always take the medicines at the same time of the day.
• Do not take a double dose. 

Preventing Infections

• Take care of cuts and wounds. 
• Wash hands regularly, especially before preparing meals and eating them.
• Shower daily using mild soaps. Keep the body clean and dry.
• Practice good dental hygiene. Use a soft bristle toothbrush and brush after every meal. Maintain gum and throat health by daily gargles. 
• Avoid meeting people who are suffering from cough and cold. Always take flu shots on time.
• Avoid taking live virus vaccines as they may trigger infection. 
• For the first three months, do not go to crowded places.

Exercises

• Slow walking will help in preventing blood clot formation.
• Prefer doing aerobics exercises like walking, cycling, and swimming.  
• Avoid exercising in temperatures above 80 degrees and below 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Look for signs like shortness of breath, dizziness, exhaustion, and chest discomfort. Stop exercising if you feel any of these.

What is the Cost of Heart Transplant?

The cost of a heart transplant depends on multiple factors like the overall well-being of the patient, type of heart transplant, hospital and surgeon's fees, etc.

The cost of a heart transplant in India ranges from INR 22,00,000 to INR 30,00,000. International patients can expect this cost to be around USD 45,000 – 55,000. Germany also offers the surgery in the same range, USD 40,000 to 50,000.

In Thailand, the cost of a heart transplant, along with other organs, is between 1 to 1.5 million Baht. The price for international patients is USD 30,000 to 45,000.

The cost includes pretransplant evaluation, the surgeon's fees, hospital stay, surgery cost, cost of medications, and post-operative care charges.

To Conclude

A heart transplant is a medical procedure involving replacing a diseased heart with a functional donor heart. It is a complex cardiac surgery that requires special precautions, including avoiding smoking, alcohol consumption, a high salt and sugar diet, going to crowded places, lifting heavy weights, etc. Following these precautions can undoubtedly increase the survival rate and life expectancy post-heart transplant.