The first successful heart transplant was done in 1967. Since that time, the procedure has been improved in a number of ways to allow patients to have a successful outcome. Heart transplants are generally done when patients fail to improve after all other medical procedures have been provided, but with good treatment and proper aftercare, these patients can enjoy greater longevity and quality of life. Heart transplants are usually suggested when three major signs are present:
1 – Imminent Heart Failure Despite Medical Treatment
Most heart transplant candidates have undergone a number of treatment options to improve their condition without success. In these cases, patients are carefully evaluated to determine if they are able to withstand the surgery and special treatment afterward that is necessary after a transplant procedure. Cardiomyopathy, which causes severe weakening in the heart muscle, is one type of condition that often does not respond to other treatments and may require a heart transplant.
2 – Severe Heart Pain
Patients with severe heart pain, called angina, may also require a heart transplant to relieve pain and allow them to engage in normal activities. This condition may be caused heart valve problems that cannot be corrected by other types of procedures. In these cases, medical conditions that could affect the outcome of surgery, such as liver, kidney or lung disease, may be a contraindication for heart transplant surgery. Cardiac specialists, such as those at ICE, Institute of Cardiac Excellence, administer echocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, coronary angiograms and other diagnostic methods that are used to determine the severity of impairment.
3 – Heart Arrhythmias That Do Not Respond to Treatment
Another sign that indicates that a heart transplant may be necessary is chronic heart arrhythmias. Although a number of treatments are available to help regulate heart rhythm, such as medications and pacemakers, these may not be able to correct the underlying disturbance. These arrhythmias can occur in both the children and older people. Congenital heart defects in children that have not responded to other treatments may require heart transplantation to allow normal activities. A heart transplant may be the only way to ensure the child is able to live a normal life, free from the disability. Adults with severe arrhythmias must be free of severe vascular problems that might affect the outcome of heart transplant surgery.
If a patient has undergone a number of heart procedures and therapies and continues to have severe pain, fatigue, heart rhythm problems or physical defects in the heart that cannot be corrected by other means, a heart transplant may be necessary. Your cardiac specialist can advise you on the procedure, preparatory measures and what you will have to do after the transplant to continue your treatment.
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