Age One of Many Deciding Factors for Heart Transplants

March 27, 2012

Former Vice President Dick Cheney speaks at third annual Washington Ideas Forum in Washington, October 2011. Cheney, 71, had a heart transplant March 24, 2012 after five heart attacks over the past 25 years and after waiting nearly two years for his new heart. (file photo)

Former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney continues his recovery after undergoing heart transplant surgery March 24 at the age of 71. The vice president's operation has sparked a public debate over whether a person Cheney's age is too old to get a heart transplant. Age is only one factor when doctors consider who should get a new heart.

Cheney has a history of heart problems. He had his first heart attack when he was only 37. He had four more over the course of three decades. His heart eventually became so diseased doctors replaced it with a mechanical heart pump about two years ago. Last year, he showed off the device to ABC News.

"A little over a year ago I was at end-stage heart failure. My heart wasn't pumping enough blood to service my kidneys and my liver and so forth," Cheney said.

Before a person can be eligible for a heart transplant, he or she must be diagnosed with end-stage heart disease.

Dr. Samer Najjar, who oversees heart transplants at Medstar Washington Hospital Center, said a number of factors help doctors decide who gets a new heart.