HEART TRANSPLANT: Darren's story

In his mid-40s, Darren was told his only hope of survival was a new heart. On this episode, Bill Snaddon from the BHF talks with Darren about the years of poor health and moments of near-death which led to him needing the transplant. You'll also hear how Darren, with a new heart beating in him, is now grateful for every breath.

Around 200 heart transplants are carried out on adults in the UK each year. And in the forty years since BHF-funded research helped make heart transplants a reality in the UK, the research – and outcomes – has gone from strength to strength. Today, one of the biggest challenges is to avoid infection while someone’s immune system is weakened after a transplant. While we've come a long way, there's still a lot of research and work to do.

More on the history of heart transplants:

https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/40-years-of-uk-heart-transplant/heart-transplant-timeline

And more general information here:

https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/treatments/heart-transplant

If you’ve got any questions about your heart or circulatory health, call the BHF’s heart helpline to speak with a nurse, between 9-5 on Monday to Fridays, on 0300 330 3311 or email [email protected]

To contact The Ticker Tapes team, you'll find us at [email protected]

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