A heart transplant is a surgical procedure in which a patient’s unhealthy heart is replaced by a well-functioning heart of a donor. However, heart transplants are not considered a normal surgery. Instead, it is a major procedure that involves various steps. Heart doctors do not recommend a heart transplant until and unless it is the last option left to treat the patient. But who do heart surgeons recommend a heart transplant? If this question comes to mind, do not worry; we have it covered in this blog post. 

This blog will discuss what makes an individual a suitable candidate for a heart transplant. We will also detail what the patient does if they are recommended a heart transplant surgery. To draft this post, we took insights from a famous cardiologist, Dr. Sujay Shad, who is renowned for offering the best heart transplant surgery in Delhi. Continue reading to learn more. 

What Makes an Individual a Heart Transplant Candidate? 

A doctor advises a heart transplant to a patient whose cardiac muscles grow weak and do not work well. A heart transplant is required if the patient is diagnosed with any of the following conditions: 

  • Coronary heart disease
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Heart failure
  • Valve problems 
  • Arrhythmia 
  • Congenital heart disease (It is when the heart problem is since the birth of the individual). 

Note: To be eligible for a heart transplant, the patient must be less than sixty-nine years of age, should not have cancer or any liver or kidney disease, and no active infection. A final evaluation is issued to the patient if they meet the criteria listed above and at least two doctors have advised a heart transplant. Following that, the patient's name is added to the waiting list for heart transplants.

What Does a Patient Do If They Are Recommended a Heart Transplant? 

The patient must follow the following tips if a cardiac specialist recommends a heart transplant: 

  • Inquire with the healthcare agent and apply for medical insurance. 
  • If one does not have medical insurance, they must arrange for money. 
  • Avoid overdoing anything during the waiting period. Avoid heavy workouts. 
  • Try to follow a proper, balanced diet. The body will require everything for you to be healthy during the surgery. 
  • Limit the intake of oily or spicy foods since they might increase blood pressure. 
  • Get ready for what is ahead. Prepare your body and strengthen your mind. Prepare the mind to be able to withstand any pain.
  • Collect and pack all the necessary things beforehand. This way, you can avoid last-minute hustles, which would otherwise increase your blood pressure. 

Final Takeaway

To summarise, this post was all about heart transplant surgery and its candidature. We completely understand that the thought of you or your near ones being a candidate for a heart transplant can make you worried. But if you choose a leading heart specialist for your surgery, you will achieve successful outcomes.

If you are looking for the best cardiac surgeon in India, you can consult Dr. Sujay Shad. The expert heart specialist has more than 31 + years of experience and is the senior surgeon at the cardiac department of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. He specializes in performing successful heart transplants. To consult him, visit the hospital today!