Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a significant medical condition that affects the pulmonary arteries. These arteries serve as vital pathways for blood transportation from the heart to the lungs. Sadly, PH results in the constriction and stiffening of these arteries, creating obstacles for smooth blood flow. Consequently, this condition may lead to elevated blood pressure within the lungs and potential harm to the heart and other vital organs.
Now, the good news is that while there’s no cure for PH, there are a bunch of medications available that can help manage the condition and ease any symptoms. But here’s the thing: if PH starts to seriously impair heart & lung function over time, a transplant might be the only option left to save the patient’s life.
A heart & double lung transplant or just a double lung transplant is a procedure that can provide a new lease on life for individuals with PH. It’s an option that is carefully considered when all other treatment avenues have been exhausted.
There are a few reasons why transplantation may be necessary for PH patients:
1. Improving survival: Studies have shown that undergoing transplantation can dramatically improve survival rates in PH patients. A study in the journal Circulation reported a 10-year survival rate of 70% for those who had the procedure, compared to just 20% without it.
2. Enhancing quality of life: Transplantation has the potential to greatly enhance the quality of life for PH patients. After the procedure, patients typically experience improved breathing, increased exercise capacity, and a boost in overall energy levels.
3. Reversing damage: PH can unfortunately lead to serious damage to both the lungs and the heart. In some cases, PH can even affect lung function so severely that it can result in respiratory failure, which is an incredibly risky situation. Additionally, PH can also harm the right ventricle of the heart, which is responsible for pumping blood to the lungs. This damage can potentially lead to heart failure, further impacting the health of both the heart and the lungs. Transplantation can help reverse this damage, leading to improved lung and heart function.
However, it’s important to note that transplantation is a complex and high-risk surgery. Potential complications include infection, bleeding, rejection of the donor organs, and side effects from immunosuppressive drugs.
Decisions about whether to recommend transplantation are made on an individual basis. Doctors consider factors such as a patient’s age, overall health, severity of PH, and other relevant factors.
Typically, transplantation is considered for PH patients who are young, generally healthy, experiencing severe PH despite optimal medical treatment, and at high risk of dying from the disease.
If you’re living with PH, it’s crucial to have an open and honest conversation with your doctor about your treatment options. If transplantation is a potential path for you, your doctor will guide you through the process, discussing both the potential risks and the benefits that the procedure may offer you.
Who is eligible for a lung transplant?
Everyone who is interested in a transplant goes through a personalized evaluation to see if they meet the requirements. Here are some of the main things considered:
– They assess your condition and determine if a transplant is necessary.
– They make sure you’re in good overall health and able to handle the surgery.
– They check if you have any other medical conditions that could interfere with the transplant.
– They want to see that you really want a transplant and that you understand what it entails, both before and after the procedure.
Please click here for the latest list of lung transplant centres in India.
