Cardiac transplant rejection

Cardiac transplant rejection occurs when the recipient's immune system recognizes the donor heart as foreign and attempts to attack it. This immune response can damage the new heart's tissues, impairing its ability to function properly. Rejection can happen early or later after the transplant and is usually controlled with immunosuppressive medications that weaken the immune response. Regular check-ups, blood tests, and biopsies help monitor for signs of rejection, ensuring timely treatment to protect the transplanted heart and maintain the recipient's health.