In November 2022, at the age of 29, Sanj Kochhar received a heart transplant and was discharged on Christmas Eve. 

In this episode with Yianna Theodorou from the British Heart Foundation, Sanj explains how she started experiencing symptoms of heart failure while studying to become a doctor. After 10 years of a slow decrease in heart function, despite compensating very well, one night in October 2022 Sanj's condition suddenly deteriorated. Sanj suffered multiple organ failure and her condition became so severe that she was placed on the super urgent transplant list.

Sanj shares the difficulties of being a doctor-turned-patient, the surprising challenges of life post-transplant, and her hopes for the future that has now unfolded in front of her. 

This Christmas, give a gift that keeps on living. As a charity, the British Heart Foundation depends on the generosity of donors to continue carrying out our lifesaving research. If you too would like to donate, you can do so at bhf.org.uk/donatepod

If you've got any questions or concerns about your heart or circulatory health and want to talk with a cardiac nurse on the BHF’s Heart Helpline, go to our website at bhf.org.uk/hearthelpline and you'll find all the contact options there.

And if you’ve got your own heart story, or have any thoughts on this episode, we'd love to hear from you on email at thetickertapes@bhf.org.uk

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