Heart transplant in cardiomyopathies

Verified by Dr. Sanjeev Jadhav, Sr. Consultant CVTS & Heart Transplant, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.

Cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart muscle is weakened or damaged. This can make it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively around the body. In some cases, cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure, which is a life-threatening condition.

Heart transplant is a major surgical procedure in which a diseased heart is replaced with a healthy heart from a deceased donor. It is considered to be the most effective treatment for end-stage heart failure, including cardiomyopathy.

When is a heart transplant considered for cardiomyopathy?

A heart transplant may be considered for people with cardiomyopathy who:

• Have severe heart failure that is not responding to other treatments, such as medication, surgery, or devices
• Have a life expectancy of less than 5 years without a heart transplant
• Are otherwise in good health and able to tolerate the surgery and the lifelong medications that are required after a heart transplant

What are the risks of a heart transplant?

Heart transplant is a major surgery with a number of risks, including:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Rejection of the new heart
• Complications from the medications that are used to prevent rejection

What is the recovery process like after a heart transplant?

People who undergo a heart transplant will typically need to stay in the hospital for several weeks after surgery. Once they are discharged from the hospital, they will need to continue to take medications to prevent rejection of the new heart and to manage their other medical conditions.

Most people who have a heart transplant are able to return to their normal activities within a few months of surgery. However, they will need to be followed closely by a doctor for the rest of their lives.

How long can people live after a heart transplant?

The average survival rate for people who have a heart transplant is 10 years. However, many people live much longer than this. The long-term survival rate depends on a number of factors, including the type of cardiomyopathy that the person had, their age at the time of surgery, and their overall health.

Heart transplant is a major surgery with a number of risks, but it can also be a life-saving treatment for people with cardiomyopathy who have severe heart failure that is not responding to other treatments.

Important tips for people with cardiomyopathy

• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan
• Take medications as prescribed
• Eat a healthy diet
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

If you have cardiomyopathy and you are considering a heart transplant, be sure to talk to our expert, Dr. Sanjeev Jadhav, Sr. Consultant CVTS & Heart Transplant, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai about the risks and benefits of the surgery.

Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.