Graft Coronary Artery Disease
Graft coronary artery disease, which causes blockages in the heart,
is the leading cause of death after the first year of heart
transplantation. You can help prevent this condition by taking your
medication and using conventional heart-health practices.
These include controlling blood pressure and weight, maintaining a
low-cholesterol diet, and doing a reasonable amount of exercise.
During the first 5 years after your heart transplant, you will have an
annual examination of your heart's blood vessels via a catheter
inserted into the blood vessels. Blockages that can be reached by
catheter may be removed or compacted with a balloon or a stent.
Learn more about coronary
artery disease.
