<h3>Purpose</h3> Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection contributes to morbidity and mortality in heart transplant recipients (HTR). Donor positive, recipient negative (D+/R-) patients are high risk and generally receive antiviral prophylaxis. The burden of CMV infection in recipient seropositive (R+) HTR is less clear, with preventative recommendations mostly extrapolated from other solid organ transplant groups. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to define the incidence, severity of & risk factors for CMV infection in R+ HTR. <h3>Methods</h3> CMV seropositive HTR were included (2010-2019). Antiviral prophylaxis was not routinely used, with clinical monitoring the local standard of care. Data were collected from medical records, & patients followed for a year post-transplant. The incidence of CMV infection, including tissue invasive disease, was quantified, & predisposing/mitigating factors identified. We also assessed the association of CMV with adverse outcomes including prolongation of hospitalization & death. <h3>Results</h3> Our cohort included 155 R+ HTR (median age 53yrs, 72% male, 56% D+/R+, 68% basiliximab & 8% thymoglobulin induction). Valganciclovir prophylaxis was used in 35 (23%) for a median of 103 days (IQR 78-222). CMV infection occurred in 27 (17%) patients at a median onset of 67 days (41-124), median peak viral load was 1250 IU/mL (221-6539) & 18/27 (67%) required readmission. End-organ disease occurred in 22 (82%) & was most commonly gastrointestinal (52%). CMV infection was associated with a longer length of stay (27 vs. 20 days, HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.03, p=0.02), higher rate of intensive care readmission (26% vs. 9%, 4.57, 1.76-11.88, p=0.002), & increased mortality (33% vs. 8%, HR 9.11, 3.49-23.8, p<0.001). Valganciclovir prophylaxis was protective for CMV (4% vs. 27%, 0.094, 0.012-0.75, p=0.025), even though patients receiving it were more likely to have had thymoglobulin induction (31% vs. 2%, OR 27.04, 5.63-129.88, p<0.001). <h3>Conclusion</h3> CMV infection occurred in 17% of R+ HTR & was associated with a high burden of disease, worse post-transplant outcomes & increased mortality. Patients who received valganciclovir prophylaxis were less likely to develop CMV infection. These findings support the routine use of CMV preventative strategies such as antiviral prophylaxis following heart transplantation in all CMV R+ patients.