Expert Heart Transplant Care
A heart transplant is a life-saving surgery that replaces a failing heart with a healthy donor heart. It may be an option for people whose heart failure has not improved with medicines or other treatments.
Since 1984, the Hartford Hospital Heart Transplant Program has cared for patients with advanced heart failure. We have performed nearly 550 heart transplants and are among the nation's leading transplant centers. In 2025, we performed 39 heart transplants, and our survival rates exceeded national averages.
Innovation and Access
We are always looking for ways to help patients receive transplants sooner.
Through Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD), we can safely use donor hearts that were not available in the past. This approach has helped reduce wait times for many patients.
Comprehensive Multi-Organ Care
Heart failure can affect other organs, including the kidneys. Our heart transplant specialists work closely with Hartford HealthCare's abdominal transplant team to care for patients who may need both a heart and kidney transplant.
Am I a Candidate for a Heart Transplant?
A heart transplant may be an option for people with advanced heart failure that can no longer be managed with other medical or surgical treatments.
The Evaluation Process
Your transplant team will complete a series of tests to make sure:
- A heart transplant is the right treatment for your condition.
- You are healthy enough for surgery and recovery.
- You have support from family and friends.
- You are willing and able to follow your treatment plan after transplant.
Eligibility & Safety Factors
A heart transplant may not be the right choice for everyone. Factors that may affect eligibility include:
- Active infections.
- Severe lung or liver disease that cannot be reversed.
- A recent history of cancer.
- Severe blood vessel disease.
- Fixed pulmonary hypertension.
- Current tobacco use.
- Substance addiction.
- Mental health conditions that could make it difficult to take medications as directed.
Age alone does not determine eligibility. Your transplant team will look at your overall health to decide if your body can handle surgery and recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long is the waiting list? A: The average wait time is currently less than 12 months, depending on your blood type, medical needs, and the availability of donor hearts.
Q: What is a "Bridge to Transplant"? A: If your heart cannot support your body's vital organs while you wait for a donor heart, your doctor may recommend a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD). This mechanical pump helps move blood through your body and can help keep you healthy while waiting for a transplant.
Q: Why do I need frequent heart biopsies after surgery? A: Heart biopsies are the most accurate way to check for rejection. A small sample of heart tissue is collected through a tube placed in the neck or groin. These tests are done more often during the first few months after transplant, when the risk of rejection is highest.
Q: Are there foods I must avoid? A: Yes. Grapefruit, Seville oranges, and pomegranates can interfere with anti-rejection medications and should be avoided. Because your immune system is suppressed after transplant, you should also avoid raw or undercooked meats and unpasteurized dairy products.
Life After Transplant
A heart transplant can provide a new lease on life, but it requires lifelong care and commitment.
You will need to:
- Take anti-rejection medications at the same time every day for the rest of your life.
- Attend all follow-up appointments.
- Complete regular blood tests.
- Participate in Cardiac Rehabilitation to rebuild strength and energy.
Take the Next Step
If you or a loved one are experiencing worsening heart failure symptoms or frequent hospitalizations, early evaluation is key to a successful outcome.
For more information or to speak with a Transplant Coordinator, please call 860.972.4219.