Treatments
Heart Transplant in India
Quick answer
A heart transplant replaces a failing heart with a healthy donor heart from a person who has died. It is for end-stage heart failure that no longer responds to medicines, devices or other surgery. Waiting time is unpredictable, and international patients should expect a stay of several months in India for assessment, surgery and close follow-up.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team · Last updated 2026-10-27
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At a glance
Transplant is considered when the heart muscle is so weak that daily life becomes very limited despite full treatment. Common causes include dilated cardiomyopathy, damage from heart attacks and some inherited heart muscle diseases.
Donor hearts in India come from brain-dead donors and are allocated through state and national registries. Under Indian rules, organs are offered to Indian citizens first, so availability for foreign nationals is limited and depends on the registry. After transplant, lifelong anti-rejection medicines and regular biopsies or tests are essential.
Who needs heart transplant
- End-stage heart failure with severe symptoms despite full medical treatment
- Dilated or ischaemic cardiomyopathy with very low pumping function
- Repeated hospital admissions for heart failure
- Life-threatening heart rhythm problems not controlled by other means
- Patients on an LVAD as a bridge to transplant
How it is done
- A transplant team evaluates heart, lungs, kidneys, infections and psychological readiness.
- Eligible patients are listed with the organ registry and wait for a matched donor.
- When a heart becomes available, the patient is called in and prepared for surgery.
- The breastbone is opened and the heart-lung machine is connected.
- The diseased heart is removed and the donor heart is sewn to the major blood vessels.
- The new heart is restarted, and the patient moves to a dedicated transplant intensive care unit.
Before you travel to India
- Complete heart failure records: echocardiograms, angiograms and right heart catheter pressures
- Blood group, tissue typing if available, and infection screening
- Details of all current devices and medicines
- Check eligibility and registry rules for foreign nationals with the hospital before travelling
- A dedicated family caregiver able to stay for several months
Recovery and flying home
- Intensive care is followed by a ward stay with close monitoring for rejection.
- Heart biopsies and blood tests are frequent in the first months.
- Patients usually remain near the transplant centre for some months before returning home.
- Lifelong anti-rejection medicines are needed, with regular level checks.
- Infection precautions, vaccines and diet guidance are part of everyday life.
Risks
- Rejection of the donor heart
- Infection due to a weakened immune system
- Kidney damage from anti-rejection medicines
- Narrowing of the new heart's arteries over time
- Higher long-term risk of some cancers
Alternatives
- LVAD implantation as a bridge or long-term therapy
- Optimised heart failure medicines and CRT or ICD devices
- High-risk revascularisation or valve surgery in selected patients
- Palliative care focused on comfort
Conditions treated
Hospitals in India for heart transplant
- Medanta - The MedicityDelhi NCR
- AIG Hospitals, GachibowliHyderabad
- Aster MedcityKochi
- Artemis HospitalDelhi NCR
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research InstituteMumbai
- Indraprastha Apollo HospitalsDelhi NCR
- BLK-Max Super Speciality HospitalDelhi NCR
- Apollo Multispecialty Hospitals, KolkataKolkata
- Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences (Narayana Health City)Bengaluru
Specialists
Dr Naresh TrehanMedanta - The Medicity- Dr Anil BhanMedanta - The Medicity
- Dr Ajay KaulFortis Hospital, Noida
- Dr Manish HindujaKokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute
- Dr Vidyadhar LadKokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute
- Dr Rajesh KaushishRuby Hall Clinic, Wanowrie
Frequently asked questions
Can foreign nationals get a heart transplant in India?
Deceased donor organs in India are allocated by registry, and Indian citizens receive priority. A foreign national may receive a heart only if no suitable Indian recipient is listed. Please confirm current rules with the transplant centre before making plans.
How long is the wait for a donor heart?
There is no fixed timeline. It depends on blood group, body size, urgency and donor availability. Some patients wait weeks and others much longer.
How long must I stay in India after a heart transplant?
The early months need very frequent tests, biopsies and medicine adjustments. Most centres want you nearby for several months. You will need to arrange long-term follow-up at home too.
Can I get anti-rejection medicines in my country?
You must check availability before transplant. Missing doses can cause rejection. The Indian team will give you a detailed prescription and plan.
Is there an age limit for heart transplant?
There is no single cut-off, but older age and other illnesses affect eligibility. The transplant committee reviews each person. LVAD may be an option for those not eligible.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-27. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices
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