Lung Transplantation for Chronic Lung Disease: Cardiac Considerations

Lung transplantation may be considered for patients with a variety of end-stage lung diseases. Improvements in surgical technique, peri-operative management, and immunosuppressive strategies have resulted in better long-term post-transplant outcomes. However, careful candidate selection, including a thorough assessment of cardiac function, is essential for optimizing the likelihood of survival while awaiting transplantation, and improving the chance of a successful outcome. This chapter will review some of the important cardiac considerations for candidates with end-stage lung disease, including coronary artery disease, diastolic dysfunction, atrial arrhythmias, valvular heart disease, and pulmonary hypertension related to lung disease.