How is the new heart started after transplantation? Once sewn in and perfused with blood, most hearts resume a regular beat and contraction on their own, although the new heart usually requires support with medication for a while. What is the life expectancy of a heart transplant recipient? Approximately half of heart transplant recipients are alive at 10 years post transplant. What would disqualify someone from being a heart donor? The absence of the following conditions are the suggested criteria for cardiac donors: prolonged cardiac arrest; prolonged severe hypotension