| Heart transplant is a surgical procedure wherein a | | | | pulmonary vessel, being on ventilator, having |
| diseased heart is replaced by a healthy heart. Blood | | | | undergone a transplant previously or having high |
| circulation is controlled by an external pump while the | | | | antibody levels for panels. Despite these conditions, |
| donor heart is connected to the major blood vessels. | | | | the success rate for the procedure is almost 90 |
| Heart transplant improves the expectancy and quality | | | | percent. The patient will have a fair chance to survive |
| of life. Only those who suffer from terminal heart | | | | for at least a year if the first 30 days post surgery |
| disease may opt for it. | | | | goes without complications. |
| Some issues related to this procedure are: | | | | Risk: It is natural for the body to reject ant foreign |
| Life expectancy: From the studies conducted, life | | | | material by fighting it with the immune system. It is |
| expectancy is seen to vary from over a year to | | | | the case with a donor's heart also. Hence, suppressor |
| almost 24 years. Factors influencing this include age, | | | | drugs are prescribed which prevent rejection. Regular |
| and compliance of recipient and match of immunology | | | | tests of the transplanted heart's tissues along with |
| between recipient and donor. | | | | routine ECG, EKG and blood tests are done once |
| Success rate: Health problems already existing in the | | | | every 3 to 4 months. While suppressors are a boon |
| patient directly affect the success of a transplant. | | | | for donated heart's acceptance, it is a bane |
| Factors that may reduce success rate include being | | | | considering the associated side effects like |
| above 60 year, having high blood pressure in | | | | susceptibility to infections, cancer and ulcers. |