Heart Transplant surgery is a major operation and therefore may involve complications. Below is a list of possible complications after surgery. Our goal is to minimize your risk, but always educate you on what might occur.
Hypertension (HTN)
Cause
- Cyclosporine
- Prednisone
- Previous hypertension
Prevention/Action
- Monitor blood pressure
- Exercise regularly
- Follow a low-salt diet
- Take anti-hypertensive medications
- Avoid weight gain
- Follow-up with your doctor regularly
Acute Rejection
Cause
- Natural immune system
- Stopping medications
Prevention/Action
- Biopsy
- X-ray
- Heart function analysis
- Report rejection symptoms
- Take immunosuppressants
- Follow-up with your doctor regularly
Infection (there's always an increased risk for infection after transplant)
Cause
Prevention/Action
- Avoid people who have a cold, flu or other illness
- Follow good personal hygiene
- Frequently wash hands
Kidney Dysfunction
Cause
- Cyclosporine
- Other medications
- Heart failure
- Hypertension
Prevention/Action
- Monitor creatinine
- Monitor cyclosporine levels
- Monitor blood pressure
- Take anti-hypertensive medications
- Follow-up with your doctor regularly
Bone Marrow Suppression
Cause
Prevention/Action
- Monitor white blood cell count
- Follow up regularly with your doctor
Increased risk of cancer—especially skin and lip cancer
Cause
- Immunosuppressants
- Sun exposure>
- Smoking
Prevention/Action
- Reduce sun exposure and wear protective clothing, use sunscreen
- Don't smoke!
- Follow-up with your doctor regularly
Bone Loss/Weakness
Cause
Prevention/Action
- Follow-up with your doctor regularly
- Female patients: ask your doctor about taking estrogen supplements
- Exercise regularly
Impotence
Cause
- Hypertension
- Pre-transplant condition
- Medications
Prevention/Action
- Monitor your blood pressure as recommended
- Take anti-hypertensive medications as prescribed
- Ask your doctor for a urological evaluation
- Follow-up with your doctor regularly
Liver Disease
Cause
Prevention/Action
- Keep all scheduled lab appointments so your response to the medication can be evaluated
- Follow-up with your doctor regularly
- Ask your doctor how often you should get an abdominal ultrasound
High Potassium Level
Cause
- Immunosuppressant medications
Prevention/Action
- Keep all scheduled lab appointments so your response to these medications can be evaluated
- Eat low-potassium foods, as recommended
Coronary Artery Disease - due to chronic rejection or developing naturally over time
Cause
- Immune system changes
- Lipids
- Hypertension
- Obesity
Prevention/Action
- Take immunosuppressant medications and vasodilator medications as prescribed
- Follow a heart-healthy diet
- Monitor your cholesterol levels with annual blood tests (or more frequently, as recommended)
- Ask your doctor how often you need a cardiac catheterization
- Follow-up with your doctor regularly
Biopsy Complications (scar tissue in the neck and heart)
Prevention/Action
- Follow-up with your doctor regularly for early detection and treatment of this complication