With almost one in ten individuals aged 18 years having high blood glucose levels, it is no surprise that we have a high burden of coronary artery disease. In 2020, CVD caused the demise of approximately 4.77 million people. The prevalence of coronary heart disease in rural India ranges from 1.6% to 7.4%, while in urban areas, it varies between 1% and 13.2%.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that the average age of first-time heart attack patients in India is 53 years. Heart attacks are more common among the younger population aged 40-69 in India.
These heart problems are more commonly seen in men than women. Women are particularly protected from CAD till they reach menopause. According to the World Health Organization's India report, the disparity of evident death rates in CAD is obvious, with 349 deaths per 100,000 men compared to 265 deaths per 100,000 women.
A recent report known as 'Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India' revealed that heart failure deaths ranged from 25,000 to 28,000 in the last four years.
Given these important statistics, it is important to understand the advanced treatment options for heart problems mentioned above. A heart transplant can be an excellent solution for end-stage failure. A heart transplant is an operation that involves the removal of a damaged or diseased heart and its replacement with a healthy heart from a donor. When someone's heart is damaged or weak to the point where it cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, they're said to have end-stage heart failure.
Individuals experiencing symptoms such as extreme fatigue, breathlessness, frequent heart failure-related hospitalizations, or an inadequate response to other medical treatments are also may be considered for a transplant.
Over the past few years, India has demonstrated exceptional success rates in heart transplant surgeries. Patients who undergo heart transplants have a survival rate of approximately 85-90% after one year and around 70-75% after five years. These high survival rates can be attributed to the patient's age, overall health, other medical conditions, and advancements in surgical techniques, technology, and post-operative care.
Age is an essential factor in heart transplant surgeries, with younger patients having a higher chance of survival. However, older patients can also have successful outcomes if they enjoy good overall health and suffer from no other major medical conditions. The patient's overall health is very crucial, with physically fit individuals without underlying medical conditions having a higher chance of survival.
The process for heart transplants involves several steps. The first step is the evaluation process, which includes a thorough medical examination to assess the patient's overall body health and determine their suitability for the surgery. This evaluation also helps to identify potential risks & complications that may arise during or after the transplant.
Once the patient is deemed suitable for a heart transplant, they are added to the transplant waiting list. The waiting list is prioritized based on several factors, such as severity of illness, patient age, blood type, body size, and time spent on the list. When a donor heart becomes available, the organ transplant team matches it with a suitable recipient based on size compatibility, blood type, and immunological factors.
The heart transplant procedure involves several steps, beginning with pre-operative preparations that are ongoing from the time of evaluation. As soon as a suitable donor's heart is procured, the patient is anesthetized, and various monitoring devices are attached to ensure their safety throughout Heart Transplant surgery. The surgeon then makes an incision in the chest, cutting through the sternum to access the heart. The recipients own failing heart is carefully removed and donor heart is connected to the patients tissues. There is limited time between removal of donor heart from donor and getting it new blood supply from the recipient. Generally it must be implanted within 5.5 hours of removal from the deceased person's body, during which time the retrieved heart is kept preserved in sterile boxes at very low temperature.
The next step is to carefully remove the patient's diseased heart while leaving the surrounding blood vessels intact. The healthy donor heart is then implanted, and its blood vessels are meticulously sewn onto the recipient's blood vessels available the potential recipients are contacted by heart transplant team. Patient (recipient) is advised to reach the hospital. Upon arrival patient is rapidly evaluated , blood back up is done, immune modulator drugs are given and patient is prepared for surgery. Finally, after ensuring adequate function of heart and satisfactory control of bleeding the incisions are closed carefully and the patient is transferred to the recovery room.
However, not everyone is eligible for a heart transplant.
The patient must be younger than 69 years old and must not have any cancer, liver or kidney disease, alcohol or drug addiction, or active infections.
After receiving recommendations from at least two doctors, the patient must undergo a final evaluation to evaluate their overall health status and determine whether they are eligible for a heart transplant. If they pass this evaluation, they will be placed on the waiting list.
The patient's health is closely monitored, and appropriate medical care is provided to maintain stability.
Furthermore, post-operative care is important for the best result of heart transplant surgeries.
Experience the best heart care at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital – home to the best doctors in the country. Our well-trained cardiologists are committed to excellence, ensuring you receive the best possible treatment. With over 60 years of trust, our group practice approach is unmatched. Our 24/7 ultra-modern facility is equipped to handle emergencies and perform advanced diagnoses and surgeries without delays. We hold the record for the highest number of primary angioplasties in the country, while major surgeries like heart transplants are performed with exceptional success rates.
For more information, book an appointment with Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
Sources:· https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6994761/#:~:text=The%20results%20of%20Global%20Burden,of%20global%20average%20of%20235.· https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3408699/#:~:text=The%20annual%20number%20of%20deaths,in%20urban%20populations%20(2).
