This method helps improve how well the heart pumps blood after damage caused by a heart attack
Stem Cell Therapy Cuts Heart Failure Risk After Heart Attack
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
What is Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy?
Mesenchymal stem cells are special cells that can repair and support damaged tissues in the body. Recently, scientists have used these stem cells, taken from a part of the umbilical cord called Wharton’s jelly, to help people who have had a serious heart event called an acute myocardial infarction, or heart attack, which significantly contributes to heart failure risk.
The new treatment involves an intracoronary infusion, which means the stem cells are delivered directly into the heart’s blood vessels. This method helps improve how well the heart pumps blood after damage caused by a heart attack.
Why Is This Important?
Heart attacks can weaken the heart, leading to a condition known as heart failure. This condition makes it harder for the heart to pump enough blood throughout the body. Preventing this can greatly improve patients’ lives, decreasing heart failure risk significantly.
The recent PREVENT-TAHA8 trial, conducted in Iran with over 400 patients, showed that those treated with Wharton’s jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells had much lower rates of developing heart failure risk compared to those who received standard care alone.
Also Read: Revolutionary Stem Cell Treatment Reverses Type 1 Diabetes in World First
The Results From The PREVENT-TAHA8 Trial
This high-quality, phase 3 clinical trial tracked patients for nearly three years. The study found that:
- The developing heart failure risk dropped by more than half in patients receiving stem cell therapy.
- Hospital readmissions for heart failure significantly decreased.
- The combined risk of death from cardiovascular causes or rehospitalization fell sharply.
- The treatment also improved how well patients’ hearts pumped blood within six months after therapy.
This shows that mesenchymal stem cell therapy could be an effective tool to reduce long-term problems following a heart attack, thus mitigating heart failure risk.
The Science Behind Stem Cells and Heart Repair
Stem cells – especially those derived from Wharton’s jelly – can grow and become different types of healthy tissue. When placed into injured hearts, they help heal damaged sections and support better recovery of function, ultimately reducing heart failure risk.
The Patient Experience and Safety Measures
The procedure was carried out safely in hospital settings with careful patient consent and monitoring. Doctors explained all potential benefits and risks before starting treatment, carefully considering the heart failure risk associated with each case. This shows how clinical research balances innovation with patient safety and respect.
Additionally, to stay updated with the latest developments in STEM research, visit ENTECH Online. Basically, this is our digital magazine for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Further, at ENTECH Online, you’ll find a wealth of information.
Reference:
- Attar, A., Mirhosseini, S. A., Mathur, A., Dowlut, S., Monabati, A., Kasaei, M., Abtahi, F., Kiwan, Y., Vosough, M., & Azarpira, N. (2025). Prevention of acute myocardial infarction induced heart failure by intracoronary infusion of mesenchymal stem cells: phase 3 randomised clinical trial (PREVENT-TAHA8). BMJ, 391, e083382. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2024-083382
Disclaimer: We do not intend this article/blog post to provide professional, technical, or medical advice. Therefore, please consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle. In fact, we only use AI-generated images for illustration and decoration. Their accuracy, quality, and appropriateness can differ. So, users should avoid making decisions or assumptions based only on the text and images.
Image Source: Freepik
- Author
- Latest Posts
I’m a web developer and science writer with a Master’s degree in Computer Applications (MCA) from Pune University.
I work in tech, building websites and staying updated with the latest developments. I also love writing about physics, chemistry, technology, robotics, mathematics, and breakthrough innovations. My passion is breaking down complex scientific topics into simple, easy-to-understand stories.
My goal is to help everyone stay informed about the exciting changes happening in science and technology. I believe understanding science shouldn’t be complicated—it should be accessible to all.
