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Updated: Apr 1, 2026
Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease
Published on: July 18, 2014
Heart Transplant in Asia
Rungroj Krittayaphong1, Aekarach Ariyachaipanich2
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
Insights
Heart failure is rising in Asia, with many patients needing heart transplants. Donor shortages due to religious beliefs and allocation issues limit the number of life-saving heart transplant procedures performed.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Public Health in Asia
Background:
- Increasing prevalence of heart failure in Asian populations.
- Significant number of patients with heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction progress to end-stage heart disease.
- Heart transplantation is a critical treatment option for end-stage heart failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the growing need for heart transplantation in Asia.
- To identify key barriers limiting heart transplant procedures in the region.
- To discuss the implications of donor shortage and allocation policies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing data on heart failure prevalence in Asia.
- Analysis of heart transplant program activity across multiple Asian countries.
- Examination of factors contributing to donor organ scarcity.
Main Results:
- Over 10 Asian countries have active heart transplant programs.
- The number of heart transplants is insufficient to meet the rising demand.
- Donor shortage is a primary limiting factor, potentially influenced by cultural and policy-related issues.
Conclusions:
- Urgent need to address donor shortages and optimize allocation policies for heart transplantation in Asia.
- Strategies to increase organ donation are crucial for managing end-stage heart disease.
- Further research into culturally sensitive approaches to organ donation is warranted.
Abstract:
The prevalence of heart failure has increased in Asia. A significant proportion of patients with heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction end up with advanced heart failure or end-stage heart disease. These patients may be placed on the waiting list for heart transplant. There are more than 10 countries in Asia that have an active heart transplant program. The number of heart transplants performed is limited despite an increase in the number of patients with end-stage heart failure mainly because of donor shortage, which may be related to religious belief and inefficient allocation policy.
