Heart Transplant Waiting List Criteria: 5 Key Requirements

Five main criteria for heart transplant waiting list placement:

1. End-stage heart failure: Heart cannot pump enough blood (due to coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, valvular disease).
2. Life expectancy: At least one year without transplant, determined by thorough evaluation (echocardiogram, catheterization, stress test).
3. Functional status: Able to perform basic ADLs (walking, eating, bathing); tolerate required meds/treatments pre/post-transplant.
4. Social support: Strong family/friend support for transplant process; stable housing, transportation access.
5. Psychological evaluation: Emotionally/mentally prepared; identifies issues affecting recovery/adherence to post-transplant plan.

Criteria may vary by transplant program and donor heart availability.