- Heart disease is a very serious problem in kidney transplant patients.
- High blood pressure occurs in nearly 85% of patients after the transplant operation.
- High cholesterol occurs in nearly 65% of patients after the transplant operation.
- You blood pressures and cholesterol levels will be monitored very closely after the transplant operation.
- It is very important for transplant patients to try to stick to a heart-friendly diet and to try to exercise (walking, biking, swimming, etc).
- Proper management of your blood sugars (in patients who have diabetes) and stop smoking (in patients who smoke) can all help improve your health.
Return to Medication Information
High Blood Pressure
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The goal blood pressure after the transplant will be less than 130/80. However, if you are a diabetic, the recommended goal blood pressure is at or less than 125/75.
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Many patients require more than one medication to control their blood pressure.
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Your transplant team will choose the blood pressure medication(s) that is/are right for you.
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High Cholesterol
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The important transplant medication FK506 is known to increase cholesterol, and so is prednisone.
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The goal “bad cholesterol” (LDL cholesterol) is less than 100.
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Diet is the first step to try to reduce your cholesterol.
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Many patients will require medication to lower their cholesterol level.
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Your transplant team will choose the cholesterol lowering medication that is right for you.
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When you are on a cholesterol medication, a muscle enzyme test known as “CK” and your liver enzymes will be checked every 3 months, because cholesterol-lowering medications may rarely affect the levels of these lab tests.
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This site is not an attempt to practice medicine or provide specific medical advice, and should not be used to make a diagnosis or to replace or overrule a qualified health care provider's judgment. Nor should users rely upon the BWH web site if they might need emergency medical treatment. We strongly encourage users to consult with a qualified health care professional for answers to personal questions.
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