![]() ![]() The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) provides a toll-free patient services line to help transplant candidates, recipients, and family members understand organ allocation practices and transplantation data. Priority on the waiting list is given to those candidates who are the sickest, have waited the longest and could benefit the most from a transplant. Some candidates may have to wait in the coronary care unit of a hospital because they are receiving intravenous medications under medical supervision or are on heart-assisting mechanical devices to help their hearts pump. Many candidates can spend time waiting for a new heart at home. Generally, the organ should match the recipient's approximate size and blood group. The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is the national agency that oversees organ allocations, and LifeLink of Georgia is the recovery agency in this state. If following the transplant evaluation process, the heart transplant team and patient agree that transplantation is the best medical option, the candidate will be added to a national computerized waiting list. Congenital heart disease: Heart defects that are present at birth.Valve disease: When a heart valve leaks or blocks the normal flow of blood, the heart muscle pumps harder and may result in heart failure. ![]() Cardiomyopathy: Weakness or damage to the heart muscle can be caused by several things, including alcohol, infections, or drugs, but frequently the cause is unknown.A heart attack can damage heart muscle and cause that area of the heart not to pump. When a coronary artery suddenly becomes blocked, and blood flow to an area of heart muscle stops, it is called a heart attack. Coronary artery disease is a build up of fatty deposits and plaque in the lining of the coronary artery that causes a decrease in blood flow to heart muscle. Coronary artery disease: Coronary arteries provide blood supply to the heart muscle.If the blood pressure remains high, the heart continues to work hard and becomes weak over time. High blood pressure (hypertension): When blood pressure in the arteries is high, the heart has to pump harder to move blood out of the heart into the rest of the body.Some of the most common causes of heart failure are: Heart failure is caused by many conditions that damage or weaken the heart muscle. loss of appetite or nausea, tiredness, weakness or confusion.difficulty sleeping, especially when lying down.shortness of breath (may occur at rest, and usually worsens with activity).swelling (edema) in your ankles, feet or legs.sudden weight gain (two pounds overnight or three to four pounds in two days).You may experience some or all of these symptoms: Your body responds to changes in your heart condition and often gives signals when major changes have occurred. Symptoms of heart failure vary depending on the condition of your heart. Thus, the body responds to congestion the same as it responds to dehydration. Unfortunately, the body responds to decreased blood flow by releasing substances (hormones) that cause salt and fluid retention and constriction of blood vessels. Fluid that cannot move forward out of the heart into the body backs up into the lungs, arms, legs, feet, abdomen and other parts of the body, causing congestive heart failure. Over time, the weakened heart works harder and harder and adds more stress to the heart muscle walls, causing them to stretch and weaken even more. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is weaker than normal and has difficulty pumping blood to the rest of the body. Select the links below to learn more about the program. Your success as a heart transplant recipient depends in part on your understanding of what to expect before, during, and after your transplant surgery. If you or someone you know are considering a heart transplant, it is important that you completely understand the benefits, risks, and limitations of transplantation so you can make an informed decision. ![]()
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