Skip to main content

An Overview Of Heart Transplants

Heart transplantation is the gold standard treatment that is used to treat a variety of heart conditions, including, advanced heart failure, arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease (CHD), coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attack, diabetes, drug abuse, high blood pressure, and valvular heart disease. Sadly, not enough healthy hearts are donated to ensure that everyone who needs a new heart receives one. Doctors are working towards this cause so that those at highest risk are transplanted first.

The Need For A Heart Transplant:
A heart transplant procedure offers hope for patients with end-stage heart failure, and an estimated 5.7 million people in the United States suffer from heart failure (HF), meaning their hearts cannot pump as effectively as they should, which could be due to damage from heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes, a heart disease called cardiomyopathy, or a deformed valve. Some of the symptoms experienced include shortness of breath, fatigue, trouble breathing when lying down, and excess fluid accumulation in the legs and ankles. HF patients are prescribed medications to help their hearts contract more strongly, increase blood flow, and get rid of excess fluid. Although medications can slow the progression of heart failure, keep them out of the hospital, and prevent them from dying, but they may stop working after a certain point, and heart transplant may be the only option.
Besides heart failure, a heart transplant can provide a long-term solution for a number of severe or chronic heart conditions, including abnormal heart rhythm, coronary artery disease and congenital heart disease.

Types Of Donors:
You’ll undergo evaluations to determine whether you are a good candidate for heart transplant, and once you’ve been approved tests will be done to look at your genetic makeup, so that you and the donor are a good genetic match which minimizes the chances of rejection. Doctors also make assessments to determine if you are mentally strong enough to tolerate the transplant process, as well as take good care of yourself and manage an extensive drug regimen post-surgery. Many transplant centers choose or reject individuals on the basis of how well they will be able to care for themselves independently after surgery.


Individuals with any blood type can donate their heart, and the hearts become available for transplantation only when a person has died or is declared to be brain dead and they or their family members choose to donate their organs.

Your transplant center will place you on the transplant list once it determines that you are a good candidate for a transplant, and multiple types of criteria are used, including age (young people are given younger organs for lasting results), severity of illness (those who are sickest are at the top of potential recipient lists), location (proximity is a vital factor since a donor heart must be transplanted into the recipient within 4-5 hours after it is removed, preserved and packed for transport), blood type (compatible blood types is important to minimize chances of organ rejection), and body size (the donor and recipient must be approximately the same body size for them to match)- to create a list of every potential recipient of every organ donation.

If you or a loved one is undergoing a heart transplant surgery, you probably have many questions, discuss them with your transplant team and clarify everything.
To sign up for a CPR course at CPR Kansas City, call us on 913-998-7499.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Symptoms Of And Congestive Heart Disease Risk Factors And CPR Overland Park Classes

Congestive heart disease is a physical disorder in which the heart pumps weakly because of which the blood backs up into the lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract and extremities. Congestive heart disease is also referred to as congestive heart failure (CHF), cardiac failure or heart failure. Congestive heart disease sometimes develops suddenly. For dealing with cardiac emergencies effectively, one should enroll for CPR Overland Park Kansas classes in which students will get to learn about the life-saving resuscitation techniques which comprise of chest compressions and rescue breaths. Proper application of the techniques can restore the life of a victim involved in the middle of cardiac emergencies. You should always select an accredited training center for acquiring training in the techniques such as the AHA accredited CPR Kansas City where you can expect to receive training in the hands of certified instructors. At the end of the training classes, a student will be eligible ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Risks of Incorrect Compression Depth in CPR

  Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique used in emergencies such as cardiac arrest. The effectiveness of CPR is directly tied to proper technique, including the correct compression depth. When chest compressions are too shallow or too deep, they can reduce the chances of survival and cause complications. Understanding the risks of incorrect compression depth in CPR is crucial for healthcare providers and lay rescuers alike. Understanding CPR Compression Depth Proper CPR technique requires compressions at a depth of 2 to 2.4 inches (5 to 6 cm) for adults, as recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA). This depth ensures adequate circulation of oxygenated blood to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart. Any deviation from this range can have serious consequences. Consequences of Shallow Compressions Shallow compressions fail to generate sufficient blood flow, limiting oxygen delivery to the brain and other organs. This can result in: Reduced ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The AHA Skills Check: A Comprehensive Guide for Healthcare Workers

  American Heart Association (AHA) certification is essential for healthcare professionals. Whether you're a seasoned provider or just starting, skills checks play a vital role in maintaining your proficiency in life-saving techniques. This guide will explore the AHA Skills Check process, why it matters, and how CPR Kansas City makes it convenient and stress-free for healthcare workers in the region. What Is an AHA Skills Check? The AHA Skills Check is a hands-on evaluation designed to ensure competency in essential life-saving techniques such as CPR, AED usage, and more advanced interventions. It often accompanies online learning modules, providing a blended learning format. Key Components of the Skills Check Hands-on CPR Practice: Testing chest compressions and ventilations. AED Proficiency: Demonstrating effective AED usage . Team Dynamics: Practicing roles in emergency response scenarios (for ACLS and PALS). Instructor Feedback: Gaining real-time guidance to refine skills....
Post a Comment
Read more