You're never too old to donate organs

Christiane Fux studied journalism and psychology in Hamburg. The experienced medical editor has been writing magazine articles, news and factual texts on all conceivable health topics since 2001. In addition to her work for, Christiane Fux is also active in prose. Her first crime novel was published in 2012, and she also writes, designs and publishes her own crime plays.

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People over the age of 60 can also be considered as organ donors. In the case of heart transplants, for example, most recipients on the waiting list are often not significantly younger. Many of them are seriously ill. And the shortage of donor organs is still serious.

"The decisive criterion is not the age, but the biological condition of the donor organ," confirms Prof. Friedhelm Beyersdorf from the Scientific Advisory Board of the German Heart Foundation and medical director of the Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery at the University Heart Center Freiburg - Bad Krozingen.

Even those older than 60 should by no means do without an organ donor card because of their age. “There is no age limit to be a donor,” emphasizes Prof. Beyersdorf.

Extreme lack of donor organs

The heart surgeon complains that there is still an “extreme shortage” of donor organs in this country. In 2017, only 257 heart transplants were performed in all of Germany. In 2016 there were still 297. In contrast, according to Eurotransplant, there were more than four times as many patents on the waiting list.

In addition, mortality has increased. The waiting time for the often terminally ill people is far too long, so that their condition deteriorates dramatically. "We carry out 90 percent of all transplants on recipients who are in the intensive care unit," reports Beyersdorf.

Acceptance of “borderline” organ donors too

In order to reduce the enormous gap between the demand and supply of donor hearts, transplant centers such as the University Heart Center Freiburg - Bad Krozingen also accept "borderline organ donors", admits Beyersdorf. These include those at risk with nicotine consumption or high blood pressure.

With the help of a cardiac catheter examination, they will clarify whether the condition of the organ allows a transplant. Calcified coronary vessels can be identified, which would prohibit transmission.

Preliminary examinations clarify unreasonable previous illnesses

A heart donation would also be out of the question who has had a heart valve or bypass operation and has had one or more stents inserted. "Here arteriosclerosis is so advanced that the treated heart can no longer be expected of a recipient," said Beyersdorf.

According to the medical association for cardiac surgery (DGTHG), primarily seriously heart disease patients in the 50 to 59 age group need a new, functional organ, followed by those aged 60 to 69.

Consent to organ donation is increasing

According to the Federal Center for Health Education in Germany, the positive attitude towards organ and tissue donation is currently higher than ever at 84 percent. Also, 36 percent of the population now have an ID. In 2012 it was only 22 percent. When asked about the motives for consenting to organ and tissue donation in the organ donation card, 73 percent stated that they want to help other people.

Organ donation card for download on

Experts appeal to the population to always carry an organ donation card with them - regardless of whether they are personally willing to donate. This is the only way to ensure that personal will is implemented. It also frees relatives from having to make a difficult decision. A document for download and all necessary explanations can be found at here. (https://downloads.houseofgoldhealthproducts.com/Organspendausweis_2014_02_10.pdf).

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