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Who can have one

As donor hearts are scarce, you'll need to be assessed carefully to determine whether a heart transplant is suitable if your doctor thinks you could benefit from a transplant.

When heart transplants are considered

A heart transplant may be considered if:

  • you have significant heart failure, where the heart is having trouble pumping enough blood around the body (usually the result of coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy or congenital heart disease)
  • you have severe symptoms, despite medical treatment
  • you could die within the next few years if you do not get a transplant
  • you're otherwise fit enough to survive major surgery

If it's thought you could benefit from a heart transplant, you'll be assessed at a transplant centre to check whether having one is suitable.

Assessment for a heart transplant

An in-depth assessment at a transplant centre is needed to find out more about your health and check whether there are any underlying problems that could affect your suitability for a transplant.

This will usually involve having several tests, such as:

You'll also have the opportunity during your assessment to meet the transplant team and find out more about the procedure.

You may find it useful to write down a list of questions you'd like to ask the transplant team before your visit.

Who might not be suitable for a heart transplant

Not everyone who could benefit from a heart transplant will be suitable for one.

This is because the operation places a major strain on the body and may mean the risks outweigh the potential benefits.

For example, you may be considered unsuitable for a heart transplant if you:

  • have irreversible damage to other organs, such as your kidneys
  • have an active infection – this will need to be treated first, if possible
  • have cancer – treatment to bring it under control (known as being in remission) will usually be needed before a transplant is considered
  • have damaged blood vessels as a result of diabetes
  • are living with obesity – you may need to lose weight before a transplant is considered
  • drink alcohol excessively or smoke – you may need to stop before a transplant is considered

Age is not a factor in determining whether a heart transplant is suitable, although they're rarely performed in people over the age of 65 because they often have other health problems that mean a transplant is too risky.

Decision to recommend a transplant

The final decision about whether you're suitable for a heart transplant is a joint decision made by the transplant team.

You may be informed about the decision before leaving the transplant centre.

But if your case is not straightforward, it may be several weeks before you're told the decision.

The transplant team may decide you're:

  • suitable for a transplant and ready to be placed on a waiting list – read more about being on the heart transplant waiting list
  • suitable for a transplant, but your condition does not require a transplant – you'll usually be monitored in case your condition gets worse
  • unsuitable for a transplant – the reasons will be explained in detail by your transplant team

In some cases, further tests are necessary to make a final decision, or you may be referred to a different transplant centre for a second opinion.

Last Reviewed
21 April 2023
NHS websiteNHS website
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Hedgegrail Pharmacy in Stoke Poges offers a wide range of prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as health and beauty products
Company Registration: 2041755
Premises GPhC: 1099892
Superintendent: Baljit Singh Bahra
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