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Udupi,  India : In a groundbreaking medical feat, a 16 year old girl from Udupi has conquered genetic cardiomyopathy through a successful heart transplant surgery at Narayana Health, Bengaluru.

Addressing a press meet held at Udupi Press Club on Saturday, Dr. Aditi Singhvi, Consultant Transplant Cardiology, Advanced Heart Failure Management at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru said that Cardiomyopathy is a debilitating condition in which the heart muscle is abnormal, so the heart cannot function normally. Cardiomyopathy often leads to theart failure, which is when the heart muscle is not able to pomp sufficient blood  to meet the needs of the body. Heart failure affects nearly 1% of the population in India, that is about 8 to 10 million individuals. About 20 to 40% of cardiomyopathies without any identifiable cause are genetic. Genetic cardiomyopathies may run in families or a certain individual may also be the first one in the family to manifest it.  

She said that Genetic cardiomyopathies may present with heart failure symptoms, life threatening heart rhythms called arrhythmias, or even sudden death. Certain genetic cardiomyopathies are particu8larly sinister, with a high likelihood of causing mortality. In such situations, heart transplantation may be the only definitive theraopy that can improve quality of life and prolong survival, offering affected individuals the opportunity to live a long and healthy life.

She said that this young girl, faced severe functional limitations and multiple hospitalizations due to her condition. She was diagnosed with a mutation in the cardiac troponin I gene, which is a protein that is an important structural component of the heart muscle cells. Despite best efforts and close follow-up by medical team, including implantation of a defibrillator, her health deteriorated, necessitating the urgent need for heart transplant.

Under the expert card of Narayana Health’s skilled transplant surgeons and dedicated health card professinonals, the intricate process of assessment, complex surgery and meticulous post-operative health care culminated in a life-altering transformation for this teenager. The hospital’s commitment to comprehensive care ensured a smooth post-operative course, leading to her discharge after just three weeks, she said.

Dr Aditi said that this successful heart transplant not only saved her life but also granted her a renewed chance at a future filled with possibilities. She remarked that our team’s relentless dedication and expertise, combined with the generosity of organ donation, have brought hope to this resilient teenager and her family.

The heartwarming tale of this young girl thriving with her new heart, underscores the critical need for increased awareness about organ donation. Narayana Health remains committed to advancing medical science and transforming lives through compassionate care and innovation.

Dr. Manmohan, Arun Kumar and beneficiary young girl were present during the press meet.