Other Concerns

High blood pressure
Some anti-rejection medicines can cause high blood pressure (also called hypertension). Whenever your heart beats, the pressure of the blood pressing against the sides of your blood vessels rises. This is called the “systolic” pressure and is normally in the range 100-140. When the heart relaxes between heart beats, the blood pressure goes back down. This is called the “diastolic” pressure and is normally in the range 60-90. When your blood pressure is measured, the “systolic” pressure will be given first and the “diastolic” second. For instance, your blood pressure may be 110 over 80.

A person is said to have high blood pressure when either of these numbers is higher than normal. It is important to keep your blood pressure within a normal range so your newly transplanted organ is not damaged. If your blood pressure is too high, your doctor may give you medicine to lower your blood pressure, or may change your anti-rejection medicines.

High cholesterol
Some anti-rejection medicines can cause high cholesterol. Total cholesterol is a common test that doctors use to help determine how much cholesterol you have in your blood. Too much cholesterol may increase your risk of having a heart attack. Doctors generally recommend that your total cholesterol level should be less than 200. Another way to measure cholesterol is to divide your total cholesterol number by the amount of one of the types of cholesterol (called HDL) in your blood. The ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol should be 4:1 or less.

If your cholesterol is too high, your doctor will probably recommend changes in your diet and lifestyle, such as exercise and stress reduction. Your doctor may also decide to give you medicine to lower your cholesterol, or may change your anti-rejection medicines.

Diabetes
Some anti-rejection medicines can cause high blood sugar and lead to increased thirst, increased frequency of urination, blurred vision, and confusion. Blood sugar can be reduced through weight loss, careful diet, and exercise.

Call your transplant team right away if you are often very thirsty, have to urinate more often than usual, have blurred vision, or feel confused. Early treatment can help prevent complications. An oral diabetes drug or insulin shot may be necessary.

Anxiety and depression
The period before and after a transplant can be very stressful. It is normal for people in this situation to be nervous or depressed to some degree. Your loved ones may be having similar feelings. Ask your transplant team about counseling services that can help you, your family, and your friends get through this period.