Our Summary

The number of people needing heart transplants is increasing, but luckily, so is the number of heart transplants being done each year. This study looked at people on the waiting list for a heart transplant and found that more adults are being added to the list, but also more are being taken off because they received a transplant. In 2014, there were 2679 heart transplants, which is a 28.4% increase from 2003. The number of people living with a transplanted heart is also growing.

There were also more children added to the waiting list, with a total of 593 in 2014. The number of heart transplants in children has increased from 293 in 2003 to 410 in 2014. Most of the children (60%) on the waiting list at the end of 2014 had been waiting for less than a year, which is an improvement from 2004 when only 43% had been waiting less than a year.

However, the study also found that there is still a risk of death after a heart transplant. Among children who had a transplant between 2008 and 2012, about 9.2% died within a year, 14.7% died within three years, and 18.3% died within five years.

FAQs

  1. Has the number of heart transplants increased over the years?
  2. How long is the average waiting period for pediatric candidates for a heart transplant?
  3. What is the survival rate for pediatric patients who undergo heart transplants?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about heart transplant is to closely follow all post-transplant medications and care instructions provided by their medical team. This includes taking immunosuppressant medications as prescribed to prevent rejection of the new heart, attending all follow-up appointments, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet. It is also important to communicate any changes in health or symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly. By following these guidelines, patients can increase their chances of a successful recovery and long-term survival after a heart transplant.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for heart transplant are those who have end-stage heart failure and have exhausted all other treatment options, such as medication, lifestyle changes, and surgical interventions. These patients often have severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain, and their condition is significantly impacting their quality of life. They may also have a poor prognosis without a heart transplant.

Additionally, patients who are recommended for heart transplant are carefully evaluated by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to ensure they are suitable candidates for the procedure. This evaluation includes assessing the patient’s overall health, organ function, psychological readiness, and willingness to adhere to post-transplant care guidelines. Patients with certain comorbidities or risk factors may not be considered suitable candidates for heart transplant.

Overall, heart transplant is considered a viable treatment option for patients with end-stage heart failure who meet certain criteria and have a good chance of benefiting from the procedure. The increasing number of heart transplants being performed each year is a testament to the success and effectiveness of this life-saving treatment option for eligible patients.

Timeline

  • Patient is diagnosed with end-stage heart failure and is referred to a transplant center
  • Patient undergoes extensive evaluation to determine if they are a suitable candidate for heart transplant
  • Patient is placed on the heart transplant waiting list and begins waiting for a suitable donor heart to become available
  • Patient may require placement of a ventricular assist device (VAD) as a bridge to transplantation
  • Patient receives a call that a suitable donor heart has become available
  • Patient undergoes heart transplant surgery
  • Patient begins post-transplant recovery, including monitoring for rejection and complications
  • Patient undergoes rehabilitation and lifestyle changes to maintain heart health
  • Patient continues long-term follow-up care with transplant team to ensure the success of the transplant and manage any complications or rejection episodes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Am I a candidate for a heart transplant?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with a heart transplant?
  3. How long is the waitlist for a heart transplant?
  4. What is the success rate of heart transplants at this facility?
  5. How will my quality of life be affected after a heart transplant?
  6. What is the recovery process like after a heart transplant?
  7. How often will I need to follow up with my transplant team post-transplant?
  8. What medications will I need to take after a heart transplant?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes I will need to make after a heart transplant?
  10. What support services are available for heart transplant patients and their families?

Reference

Authors: Colvin M, Smith JM, Skeans MA, Edwards LB, Callahan ER, Snyder JJ, Israni AK, Kasiske BL. Journal: Am J Transplant. 2016 Jan;16 Suppl 2:115-40. doi: 10.1111/ajt.13670. PMID: 26755266