You may be a heart transplant candidate if you have severe heart disease and no longer see results with medical treatment.
A transplant can greatly enhance the quality and length of life for people with severe heart diseases, such as:
Heart failure comes about because of conditions that strain the heart muscle, causing it to weaken. The heart can't pump or fill with blood as well as it once did.
The most common causes of heart failure are:
Heart failure evolves in stages from:
People who are most qualified for heart transplant tend to have between stage IIIB and stage IV heart disease. This means you have symptoms and limits when doing mild activity, or even when resting.
Our heart transplant team assesses every person referred to our program. Our transplant cardiologists, surgeons, and other team members work together to decide if you would receive the most benefit from a transplant.
Factors that help decide if heart transplant is right for you include:
After your heart transplant, you'll need to take medicines that suppress your immune system for the rest of your life.
Health problems that can increase the risk of issues after transplant include:
Once your doctor refers you to UPMC's Heart Transplant Program, the care team will:
Receiving a heart transplant can be costly. Our team is here to make sure you can handle the burden and help you find financial aid if you need it.
The transplant team may ask you to continue or adjust your current medical treatment before your heart transplant.
If you're not a heart transplant candidate, we may refer you to the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute for care.
Contact the UPMC Heart Transplant Program today to make an appointment or learn more.