To combat these problems, additional drugs are often prescribed. A transplanted heart functions differently from the old one. The new heart also responds more slowly to exercise and doesn't increase its rare as quickly as before. A patient's outlook depends on many factors, including age general health, and response to the transplant. Nearly 85 percent of patients return to work or other activities they like.
Many patients enjoy swimming, cycling, running, or other sports.
The most common causes of death following a transplant are infection or rejection of the heart. Coronary artery disease is problem that develops in almost half the patients who receive transplants. This is called angina and is an early pain symptoms of a blockage building up because they have no sensations in their new hearts. The body's immune system protects the body from infection. Cells of the immune system move throughout the body, checking for anything that looks foreign or different from the body's own cells.