Our Summary
The researchers in this study wanted to understand how much Turkey has contributed to the global research on heart transplants. They looked at all the articles on heart transplants from 1970 to 2021, focusing on when they were published, who wrote them, who sponsored them, and how often they were cited by other researchers.
They found a total of 6,370 articles on heart transplants, with an average of about 21 citations (mentions) per article. The articles came mostly from the fields of surgery, transplantation, and cardiology. The number of citations per year slowly increased until 1986, and the year with the most citations was 2021.
Most of these articles came from the United States, followed by Germany, England, Canada, France, and Spain. Turkey ranked 18th, with 87 publications. The universities in Turkey that contributed the most to this research were Başkent University and Ege University.
The researchers concluded that the United States continues to dominate the field of heart transplant research. They suggested that Turkish researchers, while faced with the challenging tasks of performing transplants and conducting research, should strive to innovate and contribute more to this field.
FAQs
- What was the purpose of the study conducted by the researchers?
- How many articles on heart transplants were found and which countries were the top contributors?
- What was the researchers’ suggestion for Turkish researchers in the field of heart transplant research?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about heart transplant is to follow a strict medication regimen, attend regular follow-up appointments, and maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet to support the new heart and reduce the risk of rejection. It is also important to avoid smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and manage stress effectively to promote overall heart health.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended for heart transplant are those who have end-stage heart failure, meaning their heart is severely damaged or weakened and cannot pump blood effectively. These patients have usually tried all other treatment options without success, such as medication, lifestyle changes, or other surgeries. They also need to meet certain criteria, such as being in good overall health aside from their heart condition, having a strong support system, and being committed to post-transplant care and lifestyle changes. The decision to recommend a heart transplant is made by a team of healthcare professionals, including cardiologists, transplant surgeons, social workers, and psychologists, who evaluate the patient’s physical and emotional health, as well as their ability to follow the necessary treatment plan.
Timeline
Before a heart transplant, a patient typically experiences symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling. They undergo various tests and evaluations to determine if they are a suitable candidate for a transplant, including blood tests, imaging tests, and psychological evaluations. Once approved for a transplant, the patient is placed on a waiting list for a donor heart.
After receiving a heart transplant, the patient undergoes a period of recovery in the hospital, which includes monitoring for signs of rejection and complications. They will need to take immunosuppressant medications for the rest of their life to prevent rejection of the new heart. The patient will also need to make lifestyle changes, such as following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco.
Over time, the patient’s quality of life typically improves, as they are able to resume normal activities and experience fewer symptoms of heart failure. However, they will need to continue regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor the function of the new heart and adjust medications as needed.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about heart transplant include:
- Am I a candidate for a heart transplant? What criteria do I need to meet?
- What is the success rate of heart transplants at this hospital or medical center?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with a heart transplant?
- How long is the waiting list for a donor heart, and what is the process for being placed on the list?
- What is the recovery process like after a heart transplant? Will I need ongoing medical care and monitoring?
- What medications will I need to take after the transplant, and what are the potential side effects?
- How will a heart transplant impact my lifestyle, including diet, exercise, and activities?
- Are there any support groups or resources available for heart transplant patients?
- What are the long-term outcomes and prognosis for patients who undergo a heart transplant?
- Are there any alternative treatments or options to consider before pursuing a heart transplant?
Reference
Authors: Şahin S, Alkan S. Journal: Exp Clin Transplant. 2023 Feb;21(2):150-157. doi: 10.6002/ect.2022.0291. Epub 2023 Jan 16. PMID: 36656111