A human heart transplant was first performed in the year 1967 and today is regarded as a life-saving procedure. A heart transplant surgery involves the removal of the diseased heart of the patient, which is replaced with the heart of a healthy donor. In this procedure, the donor is either deceased or has been declared brain-dead by the doctors, and their family agrees for organ donation.
Can a Person Lead a Normal Life After a Heart Transplant?
After a heart transplant, you will be required to follow a healthy heart lifestyle. After the procedure, the patient is examined as an out-patient and must undergo scheduled tests to check the progress of recovery and to help prevent the body from rejecting the heart transplant. Moreover, you must also undergo a few evaluation tests for checking the health of the heart.
To lead a normal life after heart transplant surgery, there are some precautions you will need to keep in mind:
- Take medicines regularly
After the transplant, the doctor will prescribe medicines which also include medicines that prevent rejection of the new heart. So, the medicines must be taken at scheduled times and that too without fail.
- Follow the advice of the doctor
You must visit your doctor regularly according to the decided schedule. In case you face any problem or if there is an onset of signs of rejection, the doctor should be visited immediately.
- Follow the proper diet
Your diet should include whole grains, vegetables, and fresh fruits. A low-sodium, as well as low-sugar diet, is usually advised to help prevent any further issues. Your doctor will be able to provide particular guidelines regarding the diet to be followed.
- It is important to exercise
For keeping your heart healthy and to prevent any unnecessary weight gain, regular exercises are recommended. It is important to consult with your doctor regarding which exercises would be suitable.
The Effect of a Heart Transplant on Your Exercise Regime
Exercises can help in training the new heart. However, there are some restrictions that need to be kept in mind. It is crucial to continue the exercise program as directed by the physical therapist after the heart transplant. The transplanted heart may take some time to respond to exercise. When your healing period is over and when your doctor approves, you can begin exercising regularly after checking with them.
Precautions for Exercising After a Heart Transplant
After a heart transplant, exercising and staying active are the path to leading a healthy life. However, it is crucial to consult your doctor before beginning a fitness regime. They will let you know the do’s and don’ts you need to follow.
Some of the basic precautions to be kept in mind are:
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- Do not pull, push, or lift heavy objects.
- Do not do any sit-ups or push-ups.
- Do not attempt activities that create a pull or pain in the chest.
- Take small breaks whenever required.
- Start gradually and do not overdo the workout.
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Initially, walking, with small periods of rest in between, is recommended, rather than slow jogging. In your cardiac rehabilitation program, your physical therapist will customize an exercise program as per your heart condition, health, and age. This exercise program will be followed on an out-patient basis.
Benefits of Exercise After a Heart Transplant
Exercise post a heart transplant begins before even before the patient is discharged. The patient gets a second life thanks to their heart transplant and exercise helps improves the quality of this second life. Some of the benefits of exercising after a heart transplant include:
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- Making the new heart stronger
- Training the heart to reach a new level of endurance
- Decreases damage to new heart
- Decreases chances of high blood pressure
- Decreases chances of diabetes
- Decreases side effect of medications
- You feel healthier
- It is helpful in controlling weight gain
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Getting Started
Deciding an exercise regime would require a bit of work. Here’s how you can get started:
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- Discuss with your cardiologist and find out about the exercise program that has been suggested for you.
- Ensure you take your medication properly, regularly, and without fail.
- Your exercise regime is designed with an aim to improve your cardiovascular fitness, improve coordination and flexibility, to help increase muscle strength, and to prevent any risk of injury.
- Walking is a good activity to start with.
- Start with shorter sessions with gradual increases in duration.
- Dress in a way that is comfortable and exercise at an optimum temperature.
- Stay hydrated.
- Take frequent breaks to ensure the whole workout schedule is comfortable.
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Important Things to Remember
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- It is normal to feel a decrease in the overall level of fitness after a heart transplant, even if you had an active lifestyle earlier.
- Do not lift heavy objects.
- Do not attempt push-ups or sit-ups.
- If you feel chest pain (angina), stop exercising immediately, and contact your cardiologist immediately.
- Avoid exercising if you are not feeling well. Return to your exercise routine slowly once you feel normal.
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Exercise should be a part of your daily life after transplant surgery. You can partake in the out-patient cardiac rehabilitation program or you can begin your own fitness program after you have consulted with your physical therapist and cardiologist. To lead a healthy lifestyle and to stay active in day-to-day life, exercise is very important. After a heart transplant, exercising can help improve your mental and physical health.
