What lifestyle changes are needed after a cardiac transplant?

Individuals who have had a cardiac transplant will need to take medications to help prevent the body from rejecting the new heart. These immunosuppressants will need to be taken for life and may cause side effects that necessitate additional medications. The medication regimen may be complicated and a written schedule may be useful. Alcohol should be avoided since it affects functioning of the liver and several medications used for transplant recipients are broken down in the liver for use in the body. You may not be able to drive for up to three months after the surgery. Diet, exercise, and weight gain must all be closely monitored and regulated, and you should avoid strenuous physical activity.