Heart Transplantation - Prognosis

Prognosis

The prognosis for heart transplant patients following the orthotopic procedure has increased over the past 20 years, and as of June 5, 2009, the survival rates were:

  • 1 year : 88.0% (males), 86.2% (children)
  • 3 years: 79.3% (males), 77.2% (females)
  • 5 years: 73.2% (males), 69.0% (females)

In a November 2008 study conducted on behalf of the U.S. federal government by Dr. Eric Weiss of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, it was discovered that heart transplants — other factors equal — work better in male to male and female to female transplants. However, due to the scarcity of donors, this is not always feasible.

Read more about this topic:  Heart Transplantation