A heart transplant can be a life-saving option for people with severe heart failure or other serious heart conditions when other treatments are no longer effective. According to the American Heart Association, successful transplants can dramatically improve quality of life and life expectancy, but they require careful preparation before surgery and lifelong commitment to follow-up care afterward. Before transplant, improving your overall health can help you recover more smoothly. Afterward, taking medications as prescribed, attending regular checkups, and making heart-healthy lifestyle choices are essential to protecting your new heart.

Lifestyle habits play a key role in both preparing for and living with a heart transplant. Before surgery, focusing on good nutrition, physical activity within your limits, and eliminating risk factors such as smoking can help you be in the best shape possible. After transplant, maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, managing stress, avoiding infections, and strictly following your medication plan are critical to long-term success and heart health.

As your Heart Health Coach, I’ll guide you through every step—before and after your transplant. Together, we’ll create a customized plan to prepare your body and mind for surgery, and we’ll work on building healthy routines to protect your new heart for the long term. I’ll be there with practical strategies, encouragement, and accountability to help you make the most of your second chance at life.