Dating someone with a heart transplant

Are You 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:

When will I be told if Im suitable for a transplant?

The final decision about whether youre 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 youre told the decision.

Is age a factor in determining whether a heart transplant is suitable?

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

What makes a person unsuitable for a heart transplant?

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 cancer – treatment to bring it under control (known as being in remission) will usually be needed before a transplant is considered

Do I need a heart transplant?

A heart transplant may be considered if you have severe heart failure and medical treatments arent helping. Conditions that may eventually require a heart transplant include: coronary heart disease – a build-up of fatty substances in the arteries supplying the heart, which block or interrupt blood flow to the heart.

What is a heart-lung transplant?

A heart-lung transplant is a surgery for those with life-threatening heart and breathing problems. Surgeons remove the damaged heart and lungs and replace them with a healthy heart and lungs from a deceased donor. This procedure is done very rarely because only a small percentage of people fit the criteria for donating both heart and lungs. 5

What is heart transplantation used for?

This is done as a treatment for end-stage heart failure—heart disease that is severe enough that it will lead to death without a transplant. Heart transplantation isn’t considered a cure for heart disease, rather it is a treatment that can significantly prolong the life of the heart recipient.

What is the quality of life after a heart transplant?

Most people who receive a heart transplant enjoy a high quality of life. Depending on your condition, you may be able to return to many of your daily life activities, such as returning to work, participating in hobbies and sports, and exercise.

What happens if you dont get a heart transplant?

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 could die within the next few years if you do not get a transplant

Who is unsuitable for a heart transplant?

For example, you may be considered unsuitable for a heart transplant if you: have cancer – treatment to bring it under control (known as being in remission) will usually be needed before a transplant is considered drink alcohol excessively or smoke – you may need to stop before a transplant is considered

Do I need a heart transplant?

There are many heart conditions that can become severe enough to warrant a heart transplant, such as cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and restrictive myopathy. Some are present at birth and others develop over time (e.g., coronary heart disease ).