Does the person have another chronic illness or disease or organ issue? How old are they? If there is more than 1 whom the heart would be a match for, they typically go for the one who will live the longest afterwards.
Here is some more info:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003003.htm
Heart transplant surgery may NOT be used in patients who:
Are malnourished
Are older than age 55 - 60
Have had a severe stroke or dementia
Have had cancer
Have HIV infection
Have infections such as hepatitis that are active
Have insulin-dependent diabetes and other organs that aren't working correctly
Have kidney, lung, nerve, or liver disease
Have no family support and do not follow their treatment
Have other diseases that affect the blood vessels of the neck and leg
Have pulmonary hypertension (thickening of blood vessels in the lung)
Smoke or abuse alcohol or drugs, or have other lifestyle habits that may damage the new heart
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-transplant/MY00361/DSECTION=why-its-done
A heart transplant isn't the right treatment for everyone, however. Certain factors may mean you're not a good candidate for a heart transplant. While each case is considered individually by a transplant center, you could be prevented from having a heart transplant if you:
Are age 65 or older
Have another medical condition that could shorten your life, regardless of receiving a donor heart
Have serious blockages in the arteries in your arms or legs (peripheral artery disease)
Have a personal medical history of cancer
Are unwilling or unable to make lifestyle changes necessary to keep your donor heart healthy, such as not drinking alcohol or not smoking
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