After your heart transplant surgery is finished, you will stay in the hospital for two to four weeks on average. Your care team will watch you carefully for any signs that your body is rejecting the donor heart or that you are getting an infection.
After surgery, you’ll get care in the intensive care unit (ICU). As you recover, you’ll move to the cardiac progressive care unit (CPCU) and then eventually to care at home. Your care team can answer your questions about when you will be able to move between units and return home.
A heart transplant is major surgery and after you may notice:
Tell your care team right away about any symptoms you notice. They can help you manage them. Tell a provider immediately if you notice fever, shortness of breath, swelling or dizziness.
After a heart transplant, you need to take several medications to help fight possible infections and keep your body from rejecting your new heart. It’s important for you to take all your medications exactly as directed.
These drugs suppress your immune system, which helps prevent your body from rejecting the transplanted heart. Your provider may prescribe these immunosuppressants after transplant:
Your care team will monitor you carefully, since immunosuppressants may increase your risk of infection, kidney issues, diabetes and high blood pressure.
You may also need medication to:
Your care team will watch your transplant recovery closely to see how your new heart is functioning. You’ll have checkups often, either in the clinic or with telehealth visits.
Routine testing will check for signs of rejection or complications. These include:
As you recover from a heart transplant, you can gradually return to work, hobbies, socializing, driving and intimacy. Your recovery will include:
For the first six to eight weeks of heart transplant recovery time, you’ll need to restrict your activity while you heal. You’ll gradually build your strength, stamina and endurance with the support of cardiac rehab.
You will need to avoid contact sports and your care team may recommend walking instead of jogging. Your provider will help you understand how to pay attention to your breathing rate and heart rate when you exercise. You should ease up on exercise if you become overly tired or short of breath.
As you did before surgery, you should continue to focus on a heart-healthy diet centered around:
Limit:
Your provider can help you make food choices that are best for your new heart.
It’s important to take steps to avoid infection after a heart transplant.
Early on, your provider may recommend that you avoid crowds and large gatherings. You’ll want to wash your hands frequently and limit your exposure to sick people. You may want to wear a mask in situations where you need to be around other people.
As you recover, you may have emotional or mental health changes such as:
These feelings are normal and you can cope with them through:
Everyone’s outcome is different but it’s possible to live 10 years or more with a transplanted heart. And the time people are living after heart transplantation keeps getting longer.
It’s possible but not that likely. Only 2% to 4% of heart transplant recipients need a second transplant. And with improved technology, outcomes continue to improve.
Yes, but talk to your transplant team first to make sure you’re prepared for any risks. You’ll want to make sure you have health insurance and you’re reasonably close to a major medical center in case anything happens. It’s not a good idea to travel to places where there’s a high risk of infection.
Yes. You’ll start exercising as part of cardiac rehab, where you’ll learn how to be active safely. You can eventually return to many of your pre-transplant activities. You may need to steer clear of contact sports and jogging or running. Your care team can let you know what types of exercise are safe.
It’s important to take your medication as prescribed. If you’re having trouble taking your medication because of memory issues, side effects, cost or any other reason, talk to your provider. If you miss a dose, contact your transplant team or follow any instructions they’ve given you.
Learn more:
At Banner Health, we support you throughout your transplant journey, from caring for advanced heart failure to transplant surgery and throughout the rest of your life with your new heart.
You can count on us for:
If you’re recovering from a transplant or supporting someone who is, reach out to Banner Health. We’re here for you every step of the way.
Contact your transplant coordinator for post-surgery support.
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