Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant

Patients with heart failure are considered for cardiac transplantation when significant symptoms persist despite maximal medical therapy. Due to the shortage of donors clinical guidelines have been established highlighting patients most suitable for transplantation. Significant impairment of renal function is generally considered to be a contraindication, assuming this is not reversible. Patients with prior history of cancer may be considered if there is no evidence recurrence (> 5 years on from diagnosis of cancer).