MyHeartDiseaseTeam

What is stem cell therapy, and how might it help with heart disease?

Stem cells are basically the body's "blank slate" cells — they can transform into many different types of cells depending on where they're needed. Stem cell therapy (SCT) aims to repair or replace damaged heart muscle cells, which is exciting because most Show Full Answer

What is stem cell therapy, and how might it help with heart disease?

Stem cells are basically the body's "blank slate" cells — they can transform into many different types of cells depending on where they're needed. Stem cell therapy (SCT) aims to repair or replace damaged heart muscle cells, which is exciting because most current heart treatments manage symptoms but don't actually fix the underlying damage.

There are a few key types of stem cells being studied for heart repair:

- Bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) — sourced from the spongy tissue inside bones
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) — found in fat tissue and bone marrow; help form blood vessels and support blood flow
- Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) — adult cells that are reprogrammed to behave like more flexible, early-stage cells One MyHeartDiseaseTeam member shared: "It's been almost three weeks since my stem cell treatment and my energy level is still strong. I can walk more than half an hour without stopping and take half-hour bike rides too."

That said, results in humans have been mixed so far. Some studies showed short-term improvements in heart function, but benefits didn't always last long-term. There are also some risks to be aware of, including:

- Immune rejection — the body may attack donor stem cells
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmia)
- Tumor risk — in rare cases with certain cell types

Research is still growing, and in 2023 the FDA approved a major clinical trial for bone marrow-based therapy. Talking to a cardiologist about whether clinical trials might be an option is a great next step.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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