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Top 10 Facts You May Need a Heart Transplant

Top 10 Facts You May Need a Heart Transplant

Organ transplant isn’t something most of us regularly talk about, but it should be. Patients go through multiple stressors during this process largely due to the fact that they simply don’t know much about it.  

To minimize the unknowns we’ve put together a list of the top 10 facts you need to know about organ transplants.

Top 10 Heart Transplant Facts

Some of this information will be basic; some will be specific:

Fact #1: Transplants are done when your functioning organ fails. Organ failure occurs when an organ stops working, doesn’t work sufficiently, is diseased, or gets damaged beyond repair. All of these reasons are motivating factors for heart transplant.

Fact #2: Not every organ is able to be transplanted. The current transplant list includes:

• Kidney
• Liver
• Small intestine
• Heart
• Lung
• Pancreas
• Parts of the eye

Different malfunctions or diseases may warrant a transplant of one or more organs.

Fact #3: It is possible to receive a multiple-organ transplant. The most common is a heart-lung transplant. If a match is found, it is best for all necessary organs to come from the same donor. This minimizes the chances of rejection and maximizes the success rate.

Fact #4: Not every patient is eligible for a transplant. A transplant specialist will put you through rigorous physical and mental tests, as well as a background check before your name is added to the transplant list. This result is not a foregone conclusion. Be prepared for increased stress during this process.

Fact #5: If approved for a heart transplant, your name will be added to a waiting list. Patients can spend weeks, months, or years waiting for an organ match. The average wait is two years.

Fact #6: Organ transplants have been performed since the 1950s. The procedure is always improving, as is the success rate. The success rate for a heart transplant is currently 88%.

Fact #7: Blood typing matters. Matching your blood type to the donor organ is what tells your body to accept it rather than attack it.

Fact #8: Continue all treatments until a match is found. Non-compliance with treatment will result in a transplant denial.

Fact #9: Drug therapy increases the likelihood of a successful transplant surgery. Once the surgery is completed, you will likely be on anti-rejection drugs for life. These drugs help the organ function properly.

Fact #10: Talk to other transplant recipients. Having a support system is vital both before and after a heart transplant. Other patients can help you through the stressful and difficult moments of your treatment.

Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site.  Call us at (212) 367-8000.