Cardiovascular diseases are one of the major causes of fatality in the world. Over the years, the rate of deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases has decreased in some countries while dramatically increasing in others. The percentage of premature deaths from cardiovascular illness ranges from a low of 3% in nations with a high GDP of up to 49% in low-GDP nations. Cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease, cause about 20 million deaths worldwide each year. According to cardiac research, each year, heart illness kills significantly more humans than cancer. In recent years, Cardiometabolic and cardiovascular dangers in women have been growing at a fast rate and have killed a higher percentage of women than breast cancer has. Researchers are studying whether mesenchymal stem cells can support repair of the heart, mainly through signals that may reduce inflammation and encourage the growth of small new blood vessels (angiogenesis). It has not been shown that these cells replace lost heart muscle cells in people.
Causes of Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary Heart Disease, or CHD, is also known as coronary artery disease, or CAD. CAD or CHD occurs when the coronary arteries, which supply the heart as part of the blood circulatory system, become narrowed by plaque building up inside their walls. The arteries are primarily responsible for providing blood and oxygen to the heart. Adult stem cell therapy for artery blockage is an investigational option that some patients consider alongside standard cardiac care, and research into cell therapy for heart failure includes conditions such as chronic ischemic heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy DCM and heart failure.
Acute Coronary Syndromes – Coronary Thrombosis
- Unstable acute angina (chest pain) occurs when the heart lacks oxygen or blood flow. Symptoms vary, but the chest pain may come on at rest, happen more often, or last longer and feel more severe than before. Unstable angina is a medical emergency because it can lead to a heart attack, so anyone with new or worsening chest pain should call emergency services right away. Hospital treatment may include medicines such as nitroglycerin and blood thinners, and some people need a procedure to restore blood flow.
- NSTEMI or Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction is a type of heart attack that does not cause ST-segment elevation on an electrocardiogram (ECG), although the ECG may show other changes or look normal. There are, however, markers in blood tests that can be used to screen for events or damage to the heart muscle. For most NSTEMI patients, the artery blockage may be temporary or partial.
- STEMI, or ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, is the other type of heart attack caused by a blockage in the blood supply. STEMI events involve extensive myocardial injury and can be detected by ECG or by blood panel screening for specific enzymatic activity and chemical markers. These blood tests measure markers of heart muscle injury, mainly cardiac troponin, and in some settings an older marker called creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB).
Signs of Atherosclerosis & Coronary Plaque
Symptoms in patients with atherosclerosis vary across patients. Still, new blood tests and genetic testing for hereditary heart disease can be used as an early warning sign of acute coronary syndrome.
Artery structure and plaque
Cross-sections showing how plaque can reduce the open space inside an artery.
Plaque is produced because of the cholesterol, calcium, fat, and other substances found in the blood. When the plaque starts to build up in your arteries, you get diagnosed with a disease called atherosclerosis. The formation of the plaque and the inability of the heart to regenerate occur over many years. Over time, plaque narrows your arteries and thus hardens them. This is the cause of the limited oxygenated blood supply to the heart.
The plaque can also rupture. This forms a blood clot on the surface of the plaque. As this worsens and the blood clot becomes more prominent, it disrupts blood flow in the main artery (coronary atherosclerosis). Moreover, an angina heart attack or stroke might happen if your heart does not receive a regular flow of blood and fresh oxygen. Angina is a severe chest discomfort. It may feel as if there is pressure or squeezing in your chest. The pain might also be inside your neck, shoulders, arms, back, or jaw. Angina discomfort might even feel like indigestion.
A heart attack happens when the regular flow of blood rich in oxygen to a section of the heart is disrupted or blocked. If this flow is not remedied immediately, the particular part of the heart will not function. Without immediate treatment, a heart attack and stroke can occur, and this may lead to death. With time, CHD can weaken the heart muscle, which can lead to arrhythmia and heart failure; problems such as peripheral neuropathy and muscular atrophy have other causes.
Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Arrhythmia has something to do with the abnormal rhythm and rate of the heartbeat.[1]
Warning signs & symptoms of heart failure
CAD, CHD, and IHD Cardiomyopathy can happen due to many reasons, including environmental conditions, lifestyle, and genes. Some common risk factors for chronic ischemic heart failure include:
- Lung diseases, COPD & Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Diabetes
- Kidney diseases, PKD or Diabetic Nephropathy
- Obesity
- Viral Infections
- Hypertension
- Ischemic Strokes
- Abuse of alcohol or drugs
- Connective tissue disorders, i.e., Lupus
- Reaction to medications
- Exposure to industrial chemicals or toxins such as lead
Is Coronary Artery Disease Hereditary?
It is estimated that over 40% of all CAD cases might have some hereditary influence, and the most commonly diagnosed genetic heart diseases include:[2]
- Genetic Arrhythmia
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension
- Connective tissue disorders
- Aortopathy
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Hemorrhagic telangiectasia
- Congenital heart disease
- Brugada Syndrome
- Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
- Short QT Syndrome
- Long QT Syndrome
Diagnosis of Heart Disease
The clinical diagnosis of heart disease requires diagnostic tests and physical exams. A cardiologist uses several tests to determine the severity, including Echocardiography, Electrocardiography (ECG), angiography, CT coronary angiography, cardiac stress tests (nuclear stress testing), Cardiac catheterization, and blood tests. The regeneration center offers a comprehensive list of genetic panels to screen for mutations in genes that lead to hereditary heart diseases using the following panels: TNNC1, TNNI3, JUP, DOLK, TAZ, CAV3, CRYAB, CSRP3, DES, VCL, RBM20, RYR2, SCN5A, SGCD, TCAP, TMEM43, LAMP2, LMNA, MYBPC3, PKP2, PLN, PRKAG2, RAF1, EYA4, ABCC9, DSC2, DSG2, DSP, EMD, MYH7, MYL2, MYL3, ACTC1, ACTN2, GAA, GLA, HCN4, AGL, BAG3, TNNT2, TPM1, FHL1, FKRP, FKTN, FLNC, TTN, TTR, SLC22A5, CACNA1C, ANKRD1, DMD, CTNNA3, LDB3 and PDLIM3.
DNA screening tests are recommended for family members of patients who had sudden cardiac death or have low heart function. Early intervention is often crucial in managing the disease, so if the direct relatives of the deceased think they might carry an inherited disorder/gene mutation, then screening would be advised. We do not offer gene therapies to treat heart disease. Several clinical trials are studying gene therapies for some inherited heart conditions. To reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease, consider making dietary changes and engaging in regular physical activity.
New Treatment Options for Cardiovascular Diseases
There are several methods to treat heart failure, depending on the stage, severity, and underlying cause. The first line of treatment for chronic heart failure and coronary atherosclerosis is lifestyle changes and medications, with procedures or surgery when needed. Cardiac stem cell therapy remains investigational and is not a first-line treatment. Some common medications and non-surgical treatments for coronary artery disease (CAD), CAD & IHD include:
- Antiplatelet medications (Clopidogrel)
- Beta-blockers
- Nitroglycerin
- Cholesterol-lowering medications (statins)
- Calcium channel blockers
- Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization
- Stem cell therapy for heart and cardiac cell infusions
Cardiac regeneration using mesenchymal stem cells
Stem cell therapy for heart disease is not appropriate or effective for all cases. Patients who do not respond well to medications or have reached a severe stage of cardiac disease might also require surgery or combination therapy. In clinical research, cells such as cardiopoietic stem cells have been delivered to the heart to study whether they can improve heart function and blood flow. Standard surgical procedures include:
- Open-heart surgery
- Angioplasty
- Heart transplant
- Bypass Graft Surgery
- CABG: coronary artery bypass graft
- A balloon to widen an artery or deliver cells to the heart
- Artery stent
Treating Heart Disease with Stem Cells
The genetic-risk paper cited here concerns coronary artery disease, not a trial of the center’s cell protocol. It does not demonstrate reversal of arterial disease, improved blood flow or regeneration of a patient’s heart. MSCs, hematopoietic cells and cardiac-derived preparations are distinct; age alone does not establish which product is appropriate. [3]
Stem cell treatment for low ejection fraction
The cited study examined differentiation of perinatal mesenchymal cells toward cardiac characteristics in a laboratory setting. That does not establish immune compatibility, replacement of lost heart muscle, reversal of atherosclerosis or benefit from catheter delivery in patients. Standard cardiac care remains necessary. [4]
Interpreting cardiac cell research
Outcomes that clinical studies of stem cell therapy to treat patients with advanced heart failure have measured include:
-
- Infarct size or scar measurements are study endpoints, not a promise that an individual’s scar will shrink. [5]
- Exercise or oxygen-use measurements need a specified trial population and comparison group. [6]
- Ejection fraction, symptoms, hospitalizations and survival are different outcomes. An improvement in one does not establish reversal of coronary calcification or freedom from future hospitalization. [7]
Treating Cardiovascular Diseases with Cardiopoietic Cells in 2026
- Chronic Heart Disease
- Artery disease treatment – CAD heart
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Angina
- Thrombosis in the vessel walls
- Stem Cell Therapy for Atherosclerosis & Artery atherosclerosis
- Cardiomyopathy
- Ischemic heart disease (IHD)
- MI – Heart Attack
Types of stem cells needed for cardiac regeneration
Cell preparation and administration: The written plan should identify the actual cell preparation, dose, route and number of administrations. Mesenchymal stromal cells, cardiomyocytes and extracellular vesicles are different products. Laboratory terminology does not establish that an infusion engrafts or rebuilds heart muscle.
Cell sources and terminology
Common source labels used in cell research.
- Adipose tissue
ADSC
- Bone marrow
BM-MSC
- Peripheral blood
PB-MSC
- Placental tissue
P-MSC
- Umbilical cord
UC-MSC
- UC-MSC+
The Regeneration Center’s terminology used in this article.
Challenges & Limitations of Heart Regeneration Therapy
Cardiac Rehabilitation Post Treatment: Cardiac Rehabilitation therapy in Bangkok is optional and can be provided for a minimum of 2 hours per day and five days per week. Medical visas and accommodations for the patient and family members or friends at an extended-stay service apartment or hotel can also be arranged upon request.
Total Time Required for CAD heart disease treatment: Estimated at around two weeks in total (depending on the patient’s medical needs and total infusion of stem cells)
What ejection fraction measures
Ejection fraction describes the proportion of blood the left ventricle pumps out with a contraction.
- Filled ventricle
The blood in the chamber before contraction.
- Blood pumped out
The amount ejected during the contraction.
- Ejection fraction
The amount pumped out divided by the amount in the filled ventricle, expressed as a percentage.
- Measurement
Heart imaging, such as an echocardiogram, can measure ejection fraction.
Stem Cell Treatment for Heart Disease
Our heart regeneration treatment protocols for atherosclerotic artery disease offer chronic heart failure patients an investigational treatment with mesenchymal stem cells, given in multiple stages alongside their standard cardiac care. For most patients, this will require travel to Thailand for 2-3 weeks of adjuvant therapy. Stem cell therapy for the heart is not appropriate for all patients, and, given the varying degrees of severity and other underlying medical factors, the efficacy of stem cell therapy and the overall improvement in heart function will vary. Our medical team must evaluate all potential patients before providing a prognosis. Upon completion of a medical evaluation, a detailed treatment plan will be provided to the patient, including the specifics of the recommended medical protocol, the total length of stay required, and a fixed price for all related medical costs. To begin the qualification process for the Regeneration Center Heart Disease treatment, please prepare all recent medical records, such as an Echocardiogram, EKG, Tilt Table Heart CT Scan, or SPECT exam (Single-photon emission computed tomography), and contact us today.
Published Clinical Citations
[1] ^ Arom, Kitipan V, Permyos Ruengsakulrach, and Vibul Jotisakulratana. 2008. Intramyocardial angiogenic cell precursor injection for cardiomyopathy in Thailand. Asian cardiovascular & thoracic annals, no. 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18381874
[2] ^ Hou, Jingying, Lingyun Wang, Jieyu Jiang, Changqing Zhou, Tianzhu Guo, Shaoxin Zheng, and Tong Wang. 2013. Cardiac stem cells and their roles in myocardial infarction. Stem cell reviews and reports, no. 3. doi:10.1007/s12015-012-9421-4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23238707
[3] ^ Martinez PF, Okoshi MP. Genetic Risk in Coronary Artery Disease. Arquivos brasileiros de cardiologia. 2018;111(1):62. doi: 10.5935/abc.20180130. PubMed: 30110045.
[4] ^ Nartprayut, Kuneerat, Yaowalak U-Pratya, Pakpoom Kheolamai, Sirikul Manochantr, Methichit Chayosumrit, Surapol Issaragrisil, and Aungkura Supokawej. 2013. Cardiomyocyte differentiation of perinatally‑derived mesenchymal stem cells. Molecular medicine reports, no. 5 (March 4). doi:10.3892/mmr.2013.1356. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23467912.
[5] ^ Pratumvinit, Busadee, Kanit Reesukumal, Kajohnkiart Janebodin, Nicholas Ieronimakis, and Morayma Reyes. 2013. Isolation, characterization, and transplantation of cardiac endothelial cells. BioMed research international (October 27). doi:10.1155/2013/359412. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24282814
[6] ^ Varga E, Nemes C, Davis RP, Ujhelly O, Klincumhom N, Polgar Z, et al. Generation of transgene-free mouse induced pluripotent stem cells using an excisable lentiviral system. Experimental cell research. 2014;322(2):335. doi: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2014.02.006. PubMed: 24560743.
[7] ^ Windmolders, Severina, Astrid De Boeck, Remco Koninckx, Annick Daniëls, Olivier De Wever, Marc Bracke, Marc Hendrikx, Karen Hensen, and Jean-Luc Rummens. 2013. Mesenchymal stem cell secreted platelet derived growth factor exerts a pro-migratory effect on resident Cardiac Atrial appendage Stem Cells. Journal of molecular and cellular cardiology (December 8). doi:10.1016/j.yjmcc.2013.11.016. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24326234