[Indications and contra-indications for heart transplantation]

Indication and contraindications for selection of patients for cardiac transplantation are given on the basis of 2 years' experience in evaluating a total of 65 patients, 30 of whom received heart transplant. Heart transplant must be considered in patients with: 1. Severe heart failure without response to maximal medical treatment. 2. End stage coronary artery disease where clinical heart surgery is no longer feasible. 3. Intractable malignant arrhythmia associated with pump failure. Heart transplant is contraindicated in: 1. Patients with extracardiac polymorbidity. 2. Cardiac low output with renal and hepatic impairment. 3. Compliance failure. 4. Increased pulmonary artery resistance. 5. Age over 60 years.