Heart Transplant in India
Your heart is the engine of the body. In end-stage heart failure, cardiomyopathy, or severe coronary artery disease, medicines and surgeries may no longer suffice. A Heart Transplant replaces the failing heart with a healthy donor heart, restoring circulation, breathing capacity, and energy for a longer, more active life.
Discover what this treats so that you can choose confidently
A heart transplant treats end-stage heart failure from dilated/ischemic cardiomyopathy, severe coronary artery disease, or congenital/valvular disease when other therapies fail. It restores normal pumping function, improving survival and quality of life.
Why people choose India when this procedure is needed
- Internationally trained cardiac transplant surgeons (USA/Europe)
- NABH/JCI-accredited hospitals with 24×7 transplant ICUs
- Access to national organ-sharing network (NOTTO) for donor availability
- Costs 70–80% lower than Western countries
- Advanced post-transplant monitoring and cardiac rehabilitation
- Dedicated international patient desks for visa and travel support
Leading Indian centers report one-year survival above ninety percent, matching top global outcomes.
How the procedure works in simple steps
Like replacing a worn-out engine with a new one, the donor heart takes over and restores circulation.
- Evaluation: ECG, echocardiogram, angiography, labs, and fitness assessment confirm eligibility.
- Donor matching: Heart matched by blood type, size, and tissue compatibility via NOTTO.
- Surgery: Under general anesthesia with a heart–lung machine; diseased heart removed and donor heart sewn to remaining atrial tissue and great vessels.
- Reperfusion: Blood flow is restored; the new heart typically starts beating within seconds.
- Early recovery: ICU monitoring for rhythm, rejection, and fluid balance.
Operation time: 4–6 hours. Typical in-hospital course: 2–3 weeks with step-down care and rehab initiation.
Who should consider this and when to wait
- End-stage heart failure despite optimal medical therapy
- Ejection fraction < 25% with persistent symptoms
- Frequent hospitalizations for decompensation
- Dependence on mechanical support (e.g., LVAD) as bridge
You may wait or consider alternatives if heart failure is potentially reversible, you are unfit for major surgery, or donor allocation is pending. Your transplant team finalizes timing after complete evaluation.
Benefits and risks that you should understand
Benefits
- Improved lifespan and daily function
- Relief from breathlessness, fatigue, and edema
- Return to work, travel, and family life
- Better mental and emotional well-being
Possible risks (closely managed)
- Rejection of the new heart (controlled with immunosuppressants)
- Infections during low-immunity periods
- Side effects from anti-rejection drugs
- Rare surgical issues: bleeding or early graft failure
Experienced teams, strict protocols, and cardiac rehab keep complications low and outcomes strong.
Recovery timeline so that planning feels easier
- Week 1–2: ICU monitoring; immunosuppression and medication adjustments.
- Month 1–2: Discharge after stability; begin light activity and supervised physiotherapy.
- Month 3–6: Regular check-ups, echoes/biopsies as advised, structured cardiac rehab.
- Month 6–12: Gradual return to daily life and moderate exercise.
Patient moment “Before transplant I could barely walk 10 meters. Six months after surgery in India, I walk every morning and live normally again.”
Cost overview without surprises
| Type of Heart Transplant | Average Cost (USD) | Typical Hospital Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Heart Transplant | 40000 – 55000 | 20 – 25 days |
| Complex or Re-Transplant Case | 55000 – 70000 | 25 – 30 days |
Final cost varies by donor availability, hospital category, and post-transplant care needs. Personalized estimates follow medical review.
How to compare hospitals and specialists with confidence
Choosing the right team is like trusting pilots with delicate machinery—precision, teamwork, and experience ensure a safe journey.
- Hospital’s heart transplant license and outcomes
- Lead surgeon with 100+ transplants
- 24×7 cardiac ICU, ECMO backup, and cath-lab access
- Robust infection control and comprehensive rehab
- Transparent follow-up with lifelong medication support
Ask about one-year survival, rejection management protocols, and the rehabilitation plan before deciding.
Questions people often ask before this treatment
How long does a transplanted heart last?
Many transplanted hearts function well for 15–20 years or more with proper care.
What is the success rate in India?
Over ninety percent one-year survival in leading hospitals.
Can I live a normal life after transplant?
Yes—most patients return to work, travel, and family life within 6–12 months.
Will I need medicines forever?
Yes, lifelong immunosuppressive therapy prevents rejection.
How long is the donor wait?
Varies by blood group and region; India’s national network has shortened waiting times.
Video testimonials from real patients
Watch moving recovery stories of patients who underwent heart transplants in India.
Important care note so that every reader stays safe
Take medicines on schedule, avoid infections, maintain a heart-healthy diet, exercise gradually, and attend every follow-up visit and test as advised.
Medically reviewed by
Dr Aryan Malhotra
MBBS, David Tvildiani Medical University, Georgia
Radiation Oncology Resident, Burdwan Medical College and Hospital
Registration number: 95565
Dr Malhotra reviews transplant and cardiac-care content for Treatmentcost.com to ensure clinical accuracy and patient-friendly presentation.
Disclaimer
This page is educational and not a substitute for medical advice. Heart transplantation must be evaluated and supervised by qualified cardiac surgeons and transplant teams under legal and ethical protocols.
References
Watch patient videos
https://www.youtube.com/@TreatmentCost