A heart transplant is an open-heart surgery in which a severely diseased or damaged heart is replaced with a healthy heart from a recently deceased person. It may be a treatment option for heart failure due to conditions such as coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease or valve disease.

Heart transplantation has made great strides over the years. Today, more than 85 percent of heart recipients will live at least an additional year and more than 70 percent will live five more years. However, patients continue to face a lengthy waiting list to receive a donor heart.

Researchers are working to develop equipment to improve the health and comfort for patients waiting for a donor heart and, ideally, to develop a mechanical heart that could permanently solve the shortage problem.

People who receive a heart transplant can expect to spend 10 days to two weeks in the hospital. The medical team will join them in the fight to keep the new heart free from infection or rejection by the body.

After being discharged from the hospital, patients must continue to take their medications and keep follow-up appointments. There are many changes that come with having a new heart, and depression is not uncommon. The support of family and friends during this difficult time is an important part of recovery.