At our young age, for every wrong decision we make, whether it’s giving in to a late-night bowl of laksa, going on a shopping spree, or falling for the wrong crush, we often say, “My heart melted.” And while you blame your heart for every choice, this little organ never blames you back. Instead, it beats for you every moment of your life, quietly and relentlessly 

Because of its special cardiac muscle, your heart is designed to never tire, unlike any other muscle in your body. It’s the one organ that keeps you alive around-the-clock and never asks for a vacation. 

But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need care.  It needs regular care, especially for young children (between 10 and 18 years), because there is an increased rate of heart conditions. A child needs to have regular walks, heart-healthy foods, less screen time, and less stress to have a healthy heart. 

But sometimes, when the damage is big, your heart may need a little extra help. That’s where stem cell therapy for heart disease comes into the picture. Scientists are exploring whether these potent cells can repair heart tissue and bring back strength where it’s lost. The real question is, is stem cell therapy the future of healing hearts or just a health care gimmick? Let’s find out.

Can Stem Cells Heal a Young Heart That Needs Extra Care?

Stem cells are special because of their ability to renew themselves and change into other cells or organs when needed to recover from any health condition. These cells help heal injuries and protect against more than 80+ conditions. 

For young children’s hearts needing extra care, stem cells can repair damaged heart tissue, improve blood flow, and even help the heart work better after a heart condition. 

For future stem cell therapy, they’re often collected from bone marrow, blood, or a baby’s umbilical cord after birth (through private cord blood banking). These advances may offer a new hope for individuals with heart problems.

Here are the potential benefits of stem cell therapy for kids with cardiac conditions:

• Acute Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

Stem cells may help repair damaged heart muscle cells due to a heart attack. They may help improve heart function by encouraging the growth of new healthy cells.

• Ischemic Cardiomyopathy (Heart Muscle Damage)

Stem cell therapy has the potential to reverse harmful changes in heart structure. They can reduce tissue fibrosis and encourage blood flow to areas affected due to low oxygen supply.

• Heart Failure (Inability of the Heart Muscle to Pump Blood)

Stem cell infusion may help grow healthier heart tissue and enhance heart-pumping ability. This helps patients feel better by alleviating symptoms of heart failure.

• Cardiomyopathy (Weakened Heart Muscle)

Stem cells have the potential to strengthen the heart muscle that is weakened due to diseases such as diabetes. They help repair tissue and restore normal heart shape and cardiac muscle strength.

• Arrhythmias (Irregular Heartbeats)

Certain cardiac stem cells can create fresh heart tissue to conduct the heart’s electrical messaging normally. This can reduce the chances of dangerous irregular/abnormal heartbeats or rhythms.

• Congenital Heart Disease

Stem cell therapy can be an aid in repairing structural defects developed from birth. They can help better support heart function and improve recovery after major heart surgery.

• Myocardial Ischemia (Low Blood Supply)

Stem cells provide support in forming new blood vessels, increasing blood flow to oxygen-starved regions of the heart. They can help promote tissue health and heart strength.

• Post-Surgical Cardiac Recovery/Repair

A doctor can use implanted stem cells or tissue patches to encourage faster healing after heart surgery. This enables the heart muscle to recover smoothly and function more efficiently.

Note: Stem cell therapy for heart failure and other heart conditions is still in the early phase of research. Heart conditions need comprehensive care, and stem cells can be a part of the treatment program. More large-scale research is needed to confirm the long-term benefits and safety for each heart condition.

Abilities That Make Stem Cells a Potential Therapy for Kids’ Heart Issues

Stem cells have the following abilities that make them a potential treatment for 80+ diseases, including heart conditions.

• Self-renewal

Replace damaged cells and help grow new cells to aid tissue repair.

• Differentiation

Stem cells have the power to build any body part if needed.

• Potency

Certain types of stem cells present in umbilical cord blood have pluripotent power. This means they can turn into any cell in the body. 

• Repair/Regeneration

Stem cells can fix and replace damaged cells due to health conditions such as diabetes. 

• Personalised Therapies

Ongoing research shows that they have the potential for future therapies for neurological conditions, organ replacements, or managing chronic conditions.

How Stem Cells Work For Young Heart Disease

Though the exact mechanism is unclear, cord blood stem cells for heart disease can work in the following ways:

1. Paracrine Effects – release signals → grow new blood vessels, reduce swelling, reduce scar tissue, keep heart cells alive.
2. Tissue Regeneration – certain stem cells turn into heart muscle and blood vessel cells → replace damaged ones.
3. Extra Support – recruit the body’s own repair cells and improve immunity → better healing after injury or post-surgery.

Conclusion

Stem cells are not the sole treatment for any health condition, including heart issues but they can be part of heart condition management therapy. They have the potential to repair damaged tissue and improve heart function, offering you the hope of future treatments.

This World Heart Day makes a promise to safeguard your child’s future heart health through a healthy lifestyle and preserving stem cells at childbirth through private cord blood banking with Cryoviva Singapore.

FAQ’s
What are the benefits of stem cell therapy for cardiac patients?

Stem cell therapy can improve heart function in cardiac patients by reducing damaged tissues and helping repair weakened heart muscle. They offer a new hope for better recovery after heart disease.

Is stem cell therapy for heart failure?

2. Yes, stem cell therapy, when combined with standard heart treatments, shows potential in improving heart pumping and reducing symptoms after heart failure.

How to store cord blood stem cells for heart disease?

3. You can store cord blood stem cells collected at childbirth in private banks with Cryoviva Singapore. This helps preserve cells for the treatment of possible future heart disease.