Stem cells cut heart failure risk post-heart attack
Stem cell infusion reduces heart failure risk post-heart attack by 64% in trial.
Why it matters
- Offers new hope for heart attack survivors to reduce heart failure risk.
- Could significantly improve quality of life and reduce hospital readmissions.
By the numbers
- 420 patients participated in the trial.
- Heart failure risk reduced from 16% to 6%.
- Heart function improved by 5.9 percentage points.
The big picture
- Stem cells may provide a new treatment avenue for heart attack survivors.
- Uses umbilical-derived MSCs, which are easier to obtain and use.
What they're saying
- Interest and hope expressed by users, with questions about accessibility.
- Personal anecdotes highlight the need for effective treatments.
Caveats
- Study limitations include lack of sham procedure and small number of women enrolled.
- Longer follow-up needed to assess mortality impacts.
What’s next
- Further research needed to understand mechanisms.
- DoD running a similar study using IV infusion.