FAQ

Heart Transplant Surgery is an operation done by specialists wherein the patient’s diseased heart is removed and replaced with a healthy heart. The donor can be a dead person, or a person declared brain-dead by the doctor whose family agrees to donate the organ.

There’s no doubt about the fact that exercise helps keep the heart safe and sound but one needs to be careful about exercising post a heart transplant surgery since the heart is new to your body conditions, and will take time to adapt to new changes. Once you are through with your healing period and your doctor approves, you can start with your regular workout regime, but until then, restrict yourself to the exercises that are suggested by your therapist. As part of the cardiac rehabilitation program, your therapist will customize an exercise program based on your heart condition, age, and health specifications.

Cholesterol occurs naturally in our bodies but at times certain types of cholesterol in the body may become abnormal: LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and//or triglycerides. High cholesterol that builds up in the arteries and prevents the transport of blood and oxygen throughout the body is called atherosclerosis. Other conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, also contribute to this process. Additional risk factors for atherosclerosis include obesity, smoking, and/or having a family history of cardiovascular disease.

Blood pressure is the pressure exerted on your blood vessel walls by the pumping of the heart. ‘Hypertension’ describes blood pressure elevated above the normal range, which in children depends on their age, relative height and gender. Over time, consistently elevated blood pressure can damage blood vessels and vital organs such as the kidneys, brain and heart. It’s also a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Elevated blood pressure can be dangerous at any age. Early intervention may help prevent cardiac-related symptoms now—as well as heart disease in the future.

Yes, absolutely. You simply need to adopt a healthy lifestyle post a heart transplant surgery and be regular with the prescribed medical check-ups that are meant to evaluate your progress. Mentioned here are a few important things that should be followed religiously for a speedy recovery-

1. Be Regular with Your Medicines: After a heart transplant, your doctor will prescribe certain medicines, which also include the medicines to avoid rejection of the new heart by the body. Medicines should be taken regularly without fail.
2. Follow Your Doctor’s Advice: Visit your doctor regularly as per the schedule, and immediately in case of the onset of any signs of rejection or any other problem.
3. Take Proper Diet: Include fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. A diet which is low in sodium and sugar content is generally advisable to avoid any heart-related issues. Your doctor will further guide you on this.
4. Exercise is Important: Exercise is recommended to keep your heart healthy and to avoid unnecessary weight gain. Discuss with your doctor before beginning any exercises.