Journal profile · Respiratory System
JOURNAL OF HEART AND LUNG TRANSPLANTATION
ISSN 1053-2498 · eISSN 1557-3117 · Elsevier USA · UNITED STATES · Monthly · Founded 1991
JOURNAL OF HEART AND LUNG TRANSPLANTATION: CAS Zone 1 · Medicine (2025 upgraded edition, Top journal); impact factor 6.42; hybrid open access; APC about USD 3,606; review about 26 days (submission to acceptance, publisher); community-reported acceptance: fairly easy; 2,099 articles in 2025; indexed in SCIE and Scopus.
Scope
Aims, scope and focus
JOURNAL OF HEART AND LUNG TRANSPLANTATION is published by Elsevier USA and is in Zone 1 of Medicine in the CAS Journal Ranking (2025 upgraded edition, Top journal). By OpenAlex counts of its recent articles, its largest topics are Transplantation: Methods and Outcomes, Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices and Renal Transplantation Outcomes and Treatments, together about 52.7% of its articles. Its main subfields are Surgery. (generated from OpenAlex topic counts and CAS ranking data)
The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation (JHLT), the official publication of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, brings readers cutting-edge clinical, basic, and translational science in the fields of advanced heart and lung disease, cardio-pulmonary transplantation, mechanical and biological support of the failing heart, pulmonary vascular disease (pulmonary arterial hypertension and CTEPH), extracorporeal support of donor organs, and cell replacement therapy.
From the journal's Aims & Scope
Research area (LetPub): Respiratory System
Editor-in-chief Joseph G. RogersPublisher website
Editorial board by country: 1 in mainland China (about 1%); most named United States 50, Canada 8, Australia 6, United Kingdom 5, Germany 2 (87 members with a country) Editorial board ↗Publisher website ·
Main research topics OpenAlex counts of recent articles; shares are approximate
- Transplantation: Methods and OutcomesMedicine27.7%
- Mechanical Circulatory Support DevicesEngineering15.1%
- Renal Transplantation Outcomes and TreatmentsMedicine9.8%
- Cardiac Structural Anomalies and RepairMedicine7.9%
- Organ Transplantation Techniques and OutcomesMedicine7.9%
- Viral Infections and Immunology ResearchMedicine2.9%
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research and TreatmentsMedicine2.7%
- Organ and Tissue Transplantation ResearchMedicine2.6%
Rankings & indexing
CAS ranking and database indexing
CAS Journal Ranking
CAS Journal Ranking, upgraded edition (March 2025)Medicine Zone 1
| Level | Category | Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Major | Medicine | Zone 1 |
| Minor | Surgery | Zone 1 |
| Minor | Transplantation | Zone 1 |
| Minor | Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems | Zone 2 |
| Minor | Respiratory System | Zone 2 |
Top journal: yesReview journal: no
CAS Xinrui Journal Ranking (March 2026)Medicine Zone 2
| Level | Category | Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Major | Medicine | Zone 2 |
| Minor | Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems | Zone 2 |
| Minor | Respiratory System | Zone 2 |
| Minor | Surgery | Zone 2 |
| Minor | Transplantation | Zone 1 |
Top journal: yesReview journal: not marked
CAS Journal Ranking, previous upgraded edition (December 2023)Medicine Zone 1
| Level | Category | Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Major | Medicine | Zone 1 |
| Minor | Surgery | Zone 1 |
| Minor | Transplantation | Zone 1 |
| Minor | Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems | Zone 2 |
| Minor | Respiratory System | Zone 2 |
Top journal: yesReview journal: no
Database indexing
SCIEScopusLetPub
International journal early-warning lists: not listed in any editionLetPub
Indexing the journal's website claims
Index Medicus, Cumulated Index MedicusPublisher website
As the journal's website lists them, not checked against each database; for Web of Science editions the records above apply.
Editions, and major and minor categories, are shown separately and never merged into one zone; check which edition your institution uses before you submit or report.
Metrics
Impact metrics and publication volume
Impact
- Impact factor
- 6.42LetPub ·
- Impact factor (publisher)
- 6.7Publisher website ·
- CiteScore 2026-06
- 10.6LetPub ·
- CiteScore (publisher)
- 10.6Publisher website ·
- SJR 2026-06
- 2.34LetPub ·
- SNIP 2026-06
- 2.08LetPub ·
- h-index
- 122LetPub ·
- h-index
- 185OpenAlex ·
- i10-index
- 4,591OpenAlex ·
- 2-year mean citedness
- 0.74OpenAlex ·
- Self-citation rate
- 11.9%LetPub ·
- Share of gold OA articles
- 15.76%LetPub ·
Volume
- Articles per year
- 197LetPub ·
Articles by year OpenAlex count · 31,839 in total · the current year is incomplete
| Year | Articles | Open access | Citations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,951 | 259 | 206 |
| 2025 | 2,099 | 1,015 | 1,294 |
| 2024 | 1,753 | 1,444 | 2,802 |
| 2023 | 1,562 | 1,030 | 4,032 |
| 2022 | 1,663 | 828 | 6,129 |
| 2021 | 1,656 | 1,211 | 15,113 |
Sources count differently and were observed at different times, so each source's own value is kept; "publisher" marks figures from the journal's website.
Review & acceptance
Review time and acceptance
Review time from article dates manuscript dates registered with PubMed
Not usableThis publisher's "received" date is mostly when the revised manuscript arrived (46% of articles were "accepted" within 3 days), so it cannot measure review time
Figures by source
- Average review time (community reports)
- 3–8 weeksLetPub ·
- Average acceptance (community reports)
- Fairly easyLetPub ·
- Submission to first decision
- 3 daysPublisher website ·
- First decision after review
- 36 daysPublisher website ·
- Submission to acceptance
- 26 daysPublisher website ·
- Acceptance to publication
- 12 daysPublisher website ·
Community reports come from authors' own submissions (confidence 0.5) and are not a promise from the journal; for publisher figures, the journal's own definitions apply.
Fees & open access
APC and open-access policy
Hybrid open accessLetPub
A subscription journal in which authors can pay to publish their article open access.
| Source | APC | Fee waiver | License | Observed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenAlex | USD 3,606 / EUR 3,370 / GBP 2,890 / JPY 447,250 | — | — | |
| Publisher website | USD 4,560 | — | — |
A hybrid journal charges the APC only when the author chooses open access; publishing under the subscription model is usually free.
The journal's website is authoritative for fees; sources were observed at different times and each keeps its own value, without averaging.
Submission
Article types and submission policies (journal website)
Article types accepted16, with length limits
- brief communication1. Original Science papers may be in clinical, translational, or basic categories. Each paper in this category has a 250-word limit for the structured abstract …Length not stated
- case anecdotesCase Anecdotes are uncommonly published in JHLT and therefore must succinctly describe a novel clinical situation.Length not stated
- comments and opinionsComments and Opinions may be in response to a previously published article or may be unrelated. Articles in either of these categories have no more than 500 wor…Length not stated
- editorialbeen accepted for publication. Invited editorials should be less than 1200 words, with up to 8 references including the paper being editoriamain text ≤ 1,200 words
- innovationInnovation articles are reserved for major articles that have the potential to substantially advance clinical practice or research. Such papers should be no mor…Length not stated
- invited editorialsInvited Editorials are requested by the Editor in Chief to provide context and commentary on a manuscript that has been accepted for publication.Length not stated
- meta-analysis1. Original Science papers may be in clinical, translational, or basic categories. Each paper in this category has a 250-word limit for the structured abstract …Length not stated
- opinion1. Original Science papers may be in clinical, translational, or basic categories. Each paper in this category has a 250-word limit for the structured abstract …Length not stated
- original scienceOriginal Science papers may be in clinical, translational, or basic categories. Each paper in this category has a 250-word limit for the structured abstract and…Length not stated
- perspectiveferences should be limited to 40-50. 6. Perspective pieces (1500 words) can be a discussion or debate of any ongoing clinical or smain text ≤ 1,500 words
- perspective piecesPerspective pieces (1500 words) can be a discussion or debate of any ongoing clinical or scholarly issue in the field or a look into the future.Length not stated
- research paper1. Original Science papers may be in clinical, translational, or basic categories. Each paper in this category has a 250-word limit for the structured abstract …Length not stated
- reviewated Index Medicus. 5. State-of-the-Art reviews (2500 words) are typically considered by invitation only. If an authormain text ≤ 2,500 words
- review articleA Review Article can be either solicited or unsolicited. The journal will consider overviews and topics that are relevant to the readership.Length not stated
- state-of-the-art reviewsState-of-the-Art reviews (2500 words) are typically considered by invitation only.Length not stated
- systematic review1. Original Science papers may be in clinical, translational, or basic categories. Each paper in this category has a 250-word limit for the structured abstract …Length not stated
Policy excerpts from the journal's websiteAI use, Authorship, Conflicts of interest, Data availability, Publication ethics, License & copyright, Open access, Peer review, Preprints, Self-archiving
- AI use Declaration of generative AI in scientific writing
The guidance below only refers to the writing process, and not to the use of AI tools to analyze and draw insights from data as part of the research process.Where authors use generative artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process, authors should only use these technologies to improve readability and language. Applying the technology should be done with human ov…
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Authorship Changes to authorship
Authors are expected to consider carefully the list and order of authors before submitting their manuscript and provide the definitive list of authors at the time of the original submission. Any addition, deletion or rearrangement of author names in the authorship list should be made only before the manuscript has been accepted and only if approved by the journal Editor. To request such a change, …
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Conflicts of interest Declaration of competing interest
All authors must disclose any financial and personal relationships with other people or organizations that could inappropriately influence (bias) their work. Examples of potential conflicts of interest include employment, consultancies, stock ownership, honoraria, paid expert testimony, patent applications/registrations, and grants or other funding. Authors should complete the declaration of compe…
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Data availability
Supports Mendeley Data. Model summary
This journal supports Mendeley Data, enabling you to deposit any research data (including raw and processed data, video, code, software, algorithms, protocols, and methods) associated with your manuscript in a free-to-use, open access repository.
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Publication ethics
Follows ICMJE and COPE review and publication processes. Model summary
Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation follows the review and publication processes of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) "Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals, and the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) "Editorial Policy Statements" that cover the journal review and publication process.
Source ↗Publisher website ·- License & copyright Copyright
Journal Publishing Agreement required upon acceptance. Model summary
Upon acceptance of an article, authors will be asked to complete a 'Journal Publishing Agreement' (see more information on this). An e-mail will be sent to the corresponding author confirming receipt of the manuscript together with a 'Journal Publishing Agreement' form or a link to the online version of this agreement.Subscribers may reproduce tables of contents or prepare lists of articles includ…
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Open access Open access
Open access option available after acceptance. Model summary
Please visit our Open Access page from the Journal Homepage for more information.
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Peer review Manuscript Review Process and Outcomes
The goal of the Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation is to return an initial review to authors within 4 weeks of submission. During the rigorous review process, manuscripts will be reviewed by a managing editor and the editor-in-chief prior to referral of the paper for peer review. If the initial review process renders a decision that may support publication, the manuscript will undergo stati…
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Preprints Preprints
Preprints can be shared anywhere at any time. Model summary
Please note that preprints can be shared anywhere at any time, in line with Elsevier's sharing policy. Sharing your preprints e.g. on a preprint server will not count as prior publication (see 'Multiple, redundant or concurrent publication' for more information).
Source ↗Publisher website ·- Self-archiving Green open access
Authors can share their research in a variety of different ways and Elsevier has a few green open access options available. We recommend authors see our green open access page for further information. Authors can also self-archive their manuscripts immediately and enable public access from their institution's repository after an embargo period. This is the version that has been accepted for public…
Source ↗Publisher website ·
Excerpts are quoted from the journal's website; "model summary" lines are written by Workers AI and checked against the text. The journal's website is authoritative.
Profile
Publication details and official links
- Publisher
- Elsevier USA
- Country or region
- UNITED STATES
- Language
- English
- Frequency
- Monthly
- Founded
- 1991
- ISSN
- 1053-2498
- Electronic ISSN
- 1557-3117
- Society / sponsor
- International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation
- Official links
- Journal homepage ↗OpenAlex
- Submission system ↗Publisher website
- Special issues ↗Publisher website
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about JOURNAL OF HEART AND LUNG TRANSPLANTATION
What CAS zone is JOURNAL OF HEART AND LUNG TRANSPLANTATION in?
In the 2025 upgraded edition of the CAS Journal Ranking, JOURNAL OF HEART AND LUNG TRANSPLANTATION is in Zone 1 of Medicine, and in Zone 1 of the minor category Surgery / Transplantation / Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems / Respiratory System; it is a Top journal. In the 2026 Xinrui edition it is in Zone 2 of Medicine. Zones from different editions, and from major and minor categories, are not interchangeable.
What is the impact factor of JOURNAL OF HEART AND LUNG TRANSPLANTATION?
The latest impact factor listed by LetPub is 6.42; CiteScore 10.6, h-index 185.
How long does peer review take at JOURNAL OF HEART AND LUNG TRANSPLANTATION?
The publisher reports about 26 days (submission to acceptance); authors report an average review time of 3–8 weeks; the community-reported acceptance is “Fairly easy”. Article statistics cover accepted papers only, publisher figures follow the journal's own definitions, and community reports come from authors' own submissions; none is a promise from the journal.
Where are the editorial board members of JOURNAL OF HEART AND LUNG TRANSPLANTATION based?
Of the 87 board members whose country the journal's board page names, 1 (about 1%) are in mainland China; the countries named most often are United States (50), Canada (8) and Australia (6). Counted from the institutions listed on the board page; for reference only.
Which databases index JOURNAL OF HEART AND LUNG TRANSPLANTATION?
According to LetPub and DOAJ records, JOURNAL OF HEART AND LUNG TRANSPLANTATION is indexed in SCIE and Scopus.
Is JOURNAL OF HEART AND LUNG TRANSPLANTATION open access, and what is the APC?
JOURNAL OF HEART AND LUNG TRANSPLANTATION is a hybrid journal. For open-access publication: APC about USD 3,606.
Sources and updates
The facts on this page come from LetPub, Publisher website, OpenAlex; every figure is tagged with its source and the date it was observed, and conflicting values are kept per source. LetPub source page: view ↗ (archived 2026-08-26). Last updated: .