Cardiac transplantation is one of the most critical of all transplantations because of its function in maintaining life. A review of the elements involved in the understanding and in the application of cardiac transplantation are presented. Cardiac transplantation is established therapy for end-stage heart disease.1-3 The impact and importance of psy- chosocial issues, patient education, and general compliance on cardiac transplantation success and survival cannot be overemphasized. Successful car- diac transplantation is based on survival and control of comorbid diseases; it is influenced by lifelong adherence to therapeutic regimens and by the quality of life outcomes