Table 1:

Indications and contraindications for a heart transplant^a

Indications for a heart transplant

End-stage heart failure, NYHA IV functional class with congestion Limited prognosis without further support Limited treatment options Motivated, well-informed patient Mental stability Compliant

Absolute and relative contraindications for a heart transplant

Severe peripheral arteriosclerosis/cerebrovascular disease Active infection Malignancy Severely impaired renal function Severe systemic disorders, multiorgan failure Secondary disease with poor prognosis Intellectual impairment Pharmacologically irreversible pulmonary hypertension (→ proof of candidacy for LVAD with re-evaluation of haemodynamics under unloaded left ventricular conditions) BMI before a heart transplant >35 kg/m2 Persistent drug abuse

^aAdapted from Ref. [9].

BMI: body mass index; LVAD: left ventricular assist device; NYHA: New York Heart Association.