Obesity and hypercholesterolemia following heart transplantation

Successful strategies for avoiding obesity and hypercholesterolemia are difficult to validate because of imprecise problem identification. The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence, severity, and onset of obesity and hypercholesterolemia among heart transplant recipients and identify relationships between demographic variables and weight or cholesterol levels during the first year following transplantation. Data were collected from retrospective chart review. Forty-two patients were randomly selected from 224 patients who were undergoing heart transplantation at the Johns Hopkins Hospital between July 1983 and December 1995. Significant differences were found in weight and cholesterol level during the first 12 months. Patients with ideal body weight less than 110%, compared with greater than 110%, survived longer. Relationships were identified between prednisone dose and weight, cumulative prednisone dose and weight, and weight change and change in total cholesterol level 1 year following transplantation. Multivariate analysis showed cumulative prednisone as an independent predictor of weight. Obesity and hypercholesterolemia were significant problems within 3 months of transplantation. Although prednisone dosage should be adjusted to the lowest possible dose, dietary and lifestyle changes remain the foundation of effective management of these posttransplant complications.