Does heart failure/arrhythmia affect candidacy for liver transplant?

@hope25 I know little about cardiac things and even less about liver transplants. You are correct to learn as much as you can. You mentioned having a transplant hematologist. Could you discuss your cardiac concerns with this provider? You could say that you are “researching, collecting information and self advocating” in an effort to be proactive and prepared in the event a liver transplant becomes necessary in the future.

Hi Hope, I was a former VT patient before my Heart transplant, and I don't believe having a heart issue will affect you ability to get a Liver transplant. Multiple organs are transplanted all the time. But I myself actually had a bad Thyroid which had to be delt with while being evaluated for my heart transplant and having that issue never was a stopping point for the heart transplant.
Now while you are waiting for a Liver when and if you become in that category. Things like being sick or having say High Blood pressure or some other issue that would temporally take you off the list may happen but it not something that is permanent. Ill also add some others who have more knowledge on Liver transplant to this question @contentandwell, @rosemarya who may be able to help with the Liver questions. and @cehunt57 is correct, its never to early to gain knowledge. If I can help with the heart area's, please let me know.

I've had significant Afib since 2002. Controlled somewhat through drugs, but was taken off when cirrhosis was found and I needed a transplant. Imaging and tests shows SVT, calcification on the aorta valve, and evidence of previous heart attacks I didn't know I had. I also have CHF, diastolic dysfunction. My transplant hospital was concerned that I wouldn't make it though surgery due to it. They performed their own cardiac study, and due to the severity of advanced cirrhosis, they said it was acceptable risk. Obviously and fortunately, I made it through the transplant process.

BTW, I didn't know about the heart attacks because they're Type II MIs, caused by something other than a clot. For me, that was Afib kicking my pulse into the >150's and BP running ~180/110 for an extended amount of time. I had an MI 5 months after transplant, same condition, this time ICU was able to isolate the reasons. Extended high order BP and pulse caused enough damage to earn that diagnosis. I'm glad you're compensated, and smart of you to get ahead of the game.

Thank you for responding. My hepatologist minimizes and did not think the SVT was connected to liver disease. Since I don’t currently qualify for a transplant, he really prefers not to go into depth about this.

Thank you for the detailed information that you provided. I am glad that you were able to receive your transplant and recover after the MI. I was concerned that the SVT was part of Hemodynamic circulation; and if so, that I may develop diastolic CHF. My cardiologist tells me that my ECHO is normal and no diastolic CHF. I had some exercise intolerance over the past 2-3 years when I jog and am very concerned. I worry that with progression of CHF that I will not qualify for a transplant. I am also confused by “compensated.” I had a biopsy that showed “vascular congestion.” I inquired if this means “portal hypertensive gastropathy.” It was dismissed and again stated “compensated.”

@hope25 maybe you should ask what exactly is meant by “compensated”. Then find out how that relates to cardiology. Last but not least what impact would it have on the status of potential liver transplant listing.

I did speak directly to the hepatologist whom is underwhelmed. He did not think that the SVT was related to liver disease. Repeatedly it was stated “compensated” and felt cardiology should discuss the ECHO. I was hopeful that someone had similar concerns that had been addressed. I am scheduled to have my 6 month check in January.