How to reduce the risk of heart related deaths after kidney transplantation?

The memories of having seen patients dying from sudden cardiac illness, a massive heart attack after having had a successful kidney transplantation prompted me to write this article. Having worked in the USA, where a patient can reach a health care facility and get emergency treatments as needed, in India, ignoring minor warning signs can lead to an irreversible and undue risks. Having seen both the sides of the medical world, I always take steps to prevent such events rather than treat them when they come in.

Deaths secondary to heart disease is very common after kidney transplantation. In fact, they account for more than 50 % of the deaths. In this modern era, the success of the transplant is so good that the patients often have a good functioning transplant kidney is high. So what are the steps one should take to prevent such an event from happening.

The key word here is intensive follow up. My first advice to every patient of mine is that they should always within the reach of their doctor from the transplant team. Prevent preventable events, which is cheaper and always the best. No one wants to stare at death for a preventable reason.

Here is a set of advises I have listed for you to follow

1. The only unmodifiable factor is age and male sex. Every other cardiovascular risk factor is modifiable.
2. Never smoke after your transplant. It hurts your kidneys and increases the risk of dying from a heart attack.
3. Keep your weight reasonable. There is a high chance of you gaining weight after transplant. Keep it reasonable. I always suggest that you measure your height in cm and detect 100 from it to have the ideal weight. Keep as close to it as you can.
4. After transplant, buy yourself a good weighing machine and also a blood pressure monitoring device. It is a very good investment. Measure weight and BP frequently at least 3 times in a week. Blood pressure targets should be less than 140 mm Hg (top number also called systolic BP) and less than 90 mm Hg in the bottom number (Also called diastolic BP)
5. Get yourself a good pair of shoes - ones with good soles and a laces and start walking, at least for 30 min per day.
6. Check your important numbers - The blood sugar till you reach the targets - Always below 140 for easy rememberance.

These are basic. You may have to check your AV fistula to see for high flow states and your calcium levels to see for risk factors.

But always enjoy the post transplant life. This is the reason we did it for you. Enjoy every day of it.