Benefits of a heart transplant

For carefully selected patients, a heart transplant is the best treatment for their underlying end-stage heart disease

Key points

A heart transplant leads to a longer, better quality of life for most people who are able to have one
Most people say they have extra energy and feel more able to cope with everyday activities
You are more able to work and go on holiday

Start enjoying life again

For most patients, a heart transplant leads to a marked improvement in quality of life and in longer survival. Once you have recovered from the operation and clinic visits are less frequent, your life should start getting back to normal. You are likely to be able to work, drive, play sports and go on holiday. If you are of childbearing age, you may be able to try for a baby.

Longer-term survival

The average patient survival after a heart transplant in the UK is 14 years. Longer-term survival is increasing and there are several patients in the UK who have survived beyond 30 years.

More energy for work, travel and activities

Most people can get back to a near-normal life, including a return to work and driving a car. Your energy levels and general well being are likely to improve and you should be able to exercise for much longer periods.

Those who have had a poor appetite before the transplant say it often returns to normal after the procedure. After the first year, you can travel to many parts of the world.

When can you start doing things?

Trying for a family

If you are a woman of childbearing age you may be able to become pregnant after a transplant. Male heart transplant patients should be able to become fathers.

It’s vital to talk to your transplant team before trying for a baby, as you need to know the risks.

Get information on family planning

Go to the next page in this section: Risks of a heart transplant >