General
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and encompasses a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. Common conditions include coronary heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmias and heart attacks. These diseases are often linked to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), which can lead to decreased blood flow to the heart, damage to heart tissue and a reduced ability to pump blood efficiently.
Symptoms
Symptoms of heart disease vary depending on the specific type, but generally include chest pain or pressure (angina), shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, irregular heartbeats, dizziness, nausea, and sweating. In severe cases, such as heart attacks, symptoms may be more sudden and include pain in the arms, neck, or jaw, along with severe shortness of breath and loss of consciousness.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment
The use of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of heart disease has shown potential for regenerating damaged heart tissue. These cells have the ability to differentiate into cardiac muscle cells (cardiomyocytes) and blood vessels, which could help repair areas of the heart that have been damaged by a heart attack or heart failure. In addition, MSCs release growth factors that promote the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and reduce inflammation, improving overall heart function.
Benefits
Mesenchymal stem cell treatment may offer a new option for patients with heart disease, especially those who do not respond well to conventional treatments. Clinical studies have shown that these cells can improve the heart's ability to pump blood, reduce the size of scars after a heart attack, and increase blood vessel formation. This can translate into a better quality of life for patients, with fewer episodes of chest pain and an increased ability to perform daily activities.