Heart transplantation contraindications

Editor(s)-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D.; Associate Editor-In-Chief:

Underlying myocardial disease

 * Underlying etiologies of myocardial disease which are contraindications are:
 * Amyloid
 * HIV
 * Cardiac sarcoma.

Co-morbid or associated conditions

 * Some patients are less suitable for a heart transplant, especially if they suffer from other circulatory conditions unrelated to the heart. The following conditions in a patient would increase the chances of complications occurring during or after the operation:


 * Kidney, lung, or liver disease
 * Insulin-dependent diabetes with other organ dysfunction
 * Life-threatening diseases unrelated to heart failure such as cancer that would severely limit life expectancy
 * Vascular disease of the neck and leg arteries.
 * An ongoing acute infection
 * A recurrent pulmonary infection
 * Alcohol, tobacco or drug abuse
 * Severe lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
 * Morbid obesity
 * ABO incompatibility