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Body image after heart transplantation compared to mechanical aortic valve insertion
Armin Hartmann1, Claudia Heilmann2, Josefine Kaps1
1a Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy , Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg , Freiburg , Germany.
Summary
Heart transplant recipients integrate their new organ well, showing better device integration than aortic valve replacement patients. However, a significant minority experience psychological distress and body image issues requiring professional attention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychology
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Heart transplantation (HT) significantly impacts patients' body image and integrity.
- Empirical data on post-transplant body image and psychological adaptation remain limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare body image, organ/device integration, affective symptoms, and quality of life (QoL) in heart transplant (HT) patients versus mechanical aortic valve replacement (AVR) patients.
- To assess the prevalence of psychological distress and its correlation with body image in these patient groups.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 57 HT patients and 47 AVR subjects.
- Utilized the Dresden-Body-Image questionnaire (DKB), specific integration questions, the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
Main Results:
- No significant difference in overall body image scores (DKB-35) between HT and AVR groups.
- HT patients reported better integration of their transplanted organ compared to AVR patients with their device.
- AVR patients exhibited greater affective disturbance and lower mental QoL than HT patients.
- Seventeen percent of all patients screened positive for psychological distress (HADS >8).
Conclusions:
- Heart transplant recipients demonstrate effective integration of their new organ, surpassing AVR patients in device integration.
- The study supports a generally positive adaptation process post-heart transplantation.
- A notable subgroup (15-20%) experiences significant mental distress and body image challenges, necessitating professional intervention.
- Mechanical aortic valve replacement patients warrant increased attention regarding psychological well-being and adaptation.
