Heart Transplant Survival/Life Expectancy | Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, New Jersey
Archived: 2026-04-23 16:40
Heart Transplant Survival/Life Expectancy | Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, New Jersey
Heart Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support Program
Treatment & Care
Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Care
Programs and Specialties
Heart Transplantation and ...
Heart Transplant Survival/Life Expe ...
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Heart Transplant Survival/Life Expectancy
The Newark Beth Israel Heart Transplant team notes that a heart transplant
is considered the gold standard treatment option for end-stage heart failure.
It is only recommended when conservative treatment options fail. The worldwide
heart transplant survival rate is greater than 85 percent after one year
and 69 percent after 5 years for adults, which is excellent when compared
to the natural course of end-stage heart failure.
The first year after surgery is the most important in regards to heart
transplant survival rate. The annual death rate after the first year is
only 4 percent. Recent improvements to the heart transplant survival rate
can be attributed to an increased rate of survival after the first year,
and specifically to improvements seen with immunosuppressant medications.
Immunosuppressant medications suppress the immune system, thereby decreasing
its ability to attack foreign invaders. These medications are given to
heart transplant patients to prevent the immune system from attacking
the new donor heart. Immunosuppressant therapy is now tailored to the
individual patient.
Possible Complications
Heart transplant life expectancy depends on many factors, including post-surgery
complications. Newark Beth Israel heart transplant patients can expect
a tireless effort to decrease possible complications as much as possible,
the most common of which being:
Chronic allograft vasculopathy (CAV).
An accelerated type of coronary artery disease. The blood vessels of the
heart shrink and harden, reducing blood flow and possibly damaging the
heart muscle.
Malignancies.
Cancer after a heart transplant. Skin cancers and posttransplant lymphoproliferative
disorder are most common in adults, lymphoma is most common in children.
Infection.
Infection risk is highest while the patient is on immunosuppressant medications.
Heart rate life expectancy dramatically increases after immunosuppressant
medication dose is lowered, usually 1 year after surgery.
Acute rejection.
The immune system attacks the new donor heart. This most often occurs within
the first 6 months after surgery.
Renal insufficiency.
Poor blood flow to the kidneys decreases their ability to function properly.
A possible side effect of immunosuppressant medications.
Setting complications aside, Newark Beth Israel heart transplant enables
most patients to return to a normal life— the majority of patients
can resume all normal daily activities and live with minimal to no symptoms.
Life after a heart transplant
Heart transplant patients can take control of their recovery and heart
transplant life expectancy. Again, the first year after surgery is the
most important. Patients are asked to attend appointments during recovery
to track their progress and monitor possible heart transplant rejection.
Biopsies and laboratory work are ordered and symptoms are monitored for
signs of rejection. Newark Beth Israel heart transplant patients receive
guidance, support, and advice in regards to:
Taking immunosuppressants.
Taking these medications properly increases heart transplant life expectancy.
The immune system is less likely to attack the new donor heart.
Taking other medications.
Medications are given to improve heart and overall health.
Cardiac rehabilitation.
Exercise and education aid in recovery and improve overall health.
Lifestyle modifications.
Healthy changes increase survival rates and improve quality of life.
Most patients have concerns about sexual activity after a heart transplant.
In general, sexual intercourse may be resumed approximately 12 weeks after
surgery once the incision is healed.
Women who would like to get pregnant after a heart transplant should have
a thorough discussion with everyone involved in their care to assess potential
risks. Every patient has different needs based on age and health history.
A heart transplant, immunosuppressants, and other medications do not affect
fertility. Patients are encouraged to regularly attend appointments with
their obstetrician and gynecologist provider to discuss birth control
options. Newark Beth Israel heart transplant patients who wish to get
pregnant after their transplant receive complete support.
Our Quality
Testimonials
Appointments
LVADs are a bridge to transplant for so many of our patients who are living with heart failure. Today, through this new procedure, we can significantly extend and enhance their life while they wait for transplant.
Grady
Read More
Tarik is doing well and he is excited to eat a meal outside of a hospital bed. He is also looking forward to returning to the gym and getting back to work.
Tarik
Read More
“I could not believe it when I received the call on a Sunday afternoon,” said Ian. “The nurses and doctors that took care of me before, during and post-surgery are unbelievable."
Ian
Read More
View All Heart Transplant Stories
Watch Testimonial
Watch Testimonial
Watch Testimonial
View All Posts
Mar 23, 2026
RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Health to Spotlight Expansive Cardiovascular Research at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session & Expo
Jan 16, 2026
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Vascular Non-Invasive Laboratory Receives 30 Year Milestone Gold Recognition from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission for Its Long-Term Commitment to Quality Vascular Testing
Aug 22, 2025
Keep Chronic Diseases in Check
menu
View Doctors
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
201 Lyons Avenue at Osborne Terrace
Newark
,
NJ
07112
USA
(973) 926-7000
Get Directions
Hours
Open 24 hours
(973) 926-7205
Not finding the treatment you're looking for?
View All Services
Heart Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support Program
Treatment & Care
Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Care
Programs and Specialties
Heart Transplantation and ...
Heart Transplant Survival/Life Expe ...
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Heart Transplant Survival/Life Expectancy
The Newark Beth Israel Heart Transplant team notes that a heart transplant
is considered the gold standard treatment option for end-stage heart failure.
It is only recommended when conservative treatment options fail. The worldwide
heart transplant survival rate is greater than 85 percent after one year
and 69 percent after 5 years for adults, which is excellent when compared
to the natural course of end-stage heart failure.
The first year after surgery is the most important in regards to heart
transplant survival rate. The annual death rate after the first year is
only 4 percent. Recent improvements to the heart transplant survival rate
can be attributed to an increased rate of survival after the first year,
and specifically to improvements seen with immunosuppressant medications.
Immunosuppressant medications suppress the immune system, thereby decreasing
its ability to attack foreign invaders. These medications are given to
heart transplant patients to prevent the immune system from attacking
the new donor heart. Immunosuppressant therapy is now tailored to the
individual patient.
Possible Complications
Heart transplant life expectancy depends on many factors, including post-surgery
complications. Newark Beth Israel heart transplant patients can expect
a tireless effort to decrease possible complications as much as possible,
the most common of which being:
Chronic allograft vasculopathy (CAV).
An accelerated type of coronary artery disease. The blood vessels of the
heart shrink and harden, reducing blood flow and possibly damaging the
heart muscle.
Malignancies.
Cancer after a heart transplant. Skin cancers and posttransplant lymphoproliferative
disorder are most common in adults, lymphoma is most common in children.
Infection.
Infection risk is highest while the patient is on immunosuppressant medications.
Heart rate life expectancy dramatically increases after immunosuppressant
medication dose is lowered, usually 1 year after surgery.
Acute rejection.
The immune system attacks the new donor heart. This most often occurs within
the first 6 months after surgery.
Renal insufficiency.
Poor blood flow to the kidneys decreases their ability to function properly.
A possible side effect of immunosuppressant medications.
Setting complications aside, Newark Beth Israel heart transplant enables
most patients to return to a normal life— the majority of patients
can resume all normal daily activities and live with minimal to no symptoms.
Life after a heart transplant
Heart transplant patients can take control of their recovery and heart
transplant life expectancy. Again, the first year after surgery is the
most important. Patients are asked to attend appointments during recovery
to track their progress and monitor possible heart transplant rejection.
Biopsies and laboratory work are ordered and symptoms are monitored for
signs of rejection. Newark Beth Israel heart transplant patients receive
guidance, support, and advice in regards to:
Taking immunosuppressants.
Taking these medications properly increases heart transplant life expectancy.
The immune system is less likely to attack the new donor heart.
Taking other medications.
Medications are given to improve heart and overall health.
Cardiac rehabilitation.
Exercise and education aid in recovery and improve overall health.
Lifestyle modifications.
Healthy changes increase survival rates and improve quality of life.
Most patients have concerns about sexual activity after a heart transplant.
In general, sexual intercourse may be resumed approximately 12 weeks after
surgery once the incision is healed.
Women who would like to get pregnant after a heart transplant should have
a thorough discussion with everyone involved in their care to assess potential
risks. Every patient has different needs based on age and health history.
A heart transplant, immunosuppressants, and other medications do not affect
fertility. Patients are encouraged to regularly attend appointments with
their obstetrician and gynecologist provider to discuss birth control
options. Newark Beth Israel heart transplant patients who wish to get
pregnant after their transplant receive complete support.
Our Quality
Testimonials
Appointments
LVADs are a bridge to transplant for so many of our patients who are living with heart failure. Today, through this new procedure, we can significantly extend and enhance their life while they wait for transplant.
Grady
Read More
Tarik is doing well and he is excited to eat a meal outside of a hospital bed. He is also looking forward to returning to the gym and getting back to work.
Tarik
Read More
“I could not believe it when I received the call on a Sunday afternoon,” said Ian. “The nurses and doctors that took care of me before, during and post-surgery are unbelievable."
Ian
Read More
View All Heart Transplant Stories
Watch Testimonial
Watch Testimonial
Watch Testimonial
View All Posts
Mar 23, 2026
RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Health to Spotlight Expansive Cardiovascular Research at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session & Expo
Jan 16, 2026
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Vascular Non-Invasive Laboratory Receives 30 Year Milestone Gold Recognition from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission for Its Long-Term Commitment to Quality Vascular Testing
Aug 22, 2025
Keep Chronic Diseases in Check
menu
View Doctors
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
201 Lyons Avenue at Osborne Terrace
Newark
,
NJ
07112
USA
(973) 926-7000
Get Directions
Hours
Open 24 hours
(973) 926-7205
Not finding the treatment you're looking for?
View All Services