World's longest surviving heart transplant recipient dies of cancer

London, Aug 13 (ANI): Tony Huesman, the world's longest surviving heart transplant recipient, has passed away after being given a new heart at Stanford University in California in 1978.

Huesman's family said he died of cancer and his death was not linked to his donor heart.

In 2000, Huesman became the longest living American recipient, and according to records kept by Stanford University, later became the longest survivor in the world.

While at school, Huesman, from Dayton, Ohio, was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, reports The Telegraph.

His heart, attacked by a pneumonia virus, was almost four times its normal size from trying to pump blood with weakened muscles.

Huesman's widow Carol said: "He had diabetes and cancer.

"His heart - believe it or not - held out. His heart never gave up until the end, when it had to give up."

Before his death, Huesman said of his donor heart:" I'm living proof a person can go through a life-threatening illness, have the operation and return to a productive life." (ANI)