Dick Cheney Recovering After Heart Transplant

By Caitlin Corsetti

Former Vice President Dick Cheney is recovering from a heart transplant after having five heart attacks in the past twenty-five years. He’s had various medical procedures over the years including a quadruple bypass surgery in 1988. In 2010, he suffered from his fifth heart attack, and doctors placed him on an LVAD (left ventricular assist device) because his heart couldn’t pump strong enough on its own. After being on a waiting list for two years, Dick Cheney finally received a new heart from an unknown donor.

Some are saying that at 71, he’s too old to receive a transplant, but many disagree. Dr. William Zoghbi of Methodist Hospital’s DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center in Houston said ”It is not too old. Age is really not a factor.” According to the United Network for Organ Sharing, 332 people over age 65 had heart transplants last year. Seventy percent of heart transplant recipients live for at least five years, although survival chances are lower over age 65.

Regardless of your political beliefs, I think it’s pretty amazing that Cheney has gone through so many surgeries and issues with his heart. Many people don’t survive one heart attack, much less five. It’s incredible that he’s been strong enough health wise to stay alive. We wish him well in his recovery!

Do you think Cheney is too old for a heart transplant?

Caitlin is a senior at the University of Alabama who has an obsession with cupcakes, coffee, and Harry Potter. She always has random fun facts on reserve and aspires to be a professional blogger, social media bug, and/or James Franco’s assistant. Follow her fabulous life @caitlincorsetti. You’re welcome!