Heart Transplant
Surgery to replace a failing heart with a healthy donor heart. It is considered for end-stage heart failure when other treatments no longer work.
Causes & risk factors
- End-stage heart failure
- Severe cardiomyopathy
- Severe coronary artery disease not treatable otherwise
- Serious congenital heart disease
- Life-threatening rhythm disorders
Common symptoms
Tests & diagnosis
Treatment & management
- Assessment and placement on a transplant waiting list
- Bridging support such as mechanical heart pumps if needed
- The transplant operation itself
- Lifelong anti-rejection (immunosuppressant) medicines
- Regular monitoring for rejection and infection
When to see a doctor urgently
- Call emergency services for fever, severe breathlessness or chest pain after transplant
- See your transplant team urgently for signs of rejection or infection
- Never stop anti-rejection medicines without medical advice
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about heart transplant. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How long can you live after a heart transplant?
Many recipients live for well over a decade; outcomes depend on age, health and follow-up care.
Why are lifelong medicines needed?
Immunosuppressants stop the body rejecting the new heart, so they must be taken exactly as prescribed.
Explore more
MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.