Advancements in stem cell research may point to better treatments for heart attack survivors. In a landmark 204- patient study, bone marrow infusion of stem cells was compared to placebo to determine if the heart’s pumping chamber (an indicator of post-attack muscle capacity) improved. After four months of treatment, bone marrow recipients saw a 5.5% improvement over the control group’s 3%. Other benefits included greater blood flow in the arteries and reduced muscle enlargement, a common occurrence after a heart attack. Researchers are optimistic. Bone marrow stem cell infusion is the beginning of science’s ability to reach beyond conventional treatments to produce new actual heart cells and reverse damage.

Source: CNN.com. (2005). Study: Stem cells help heart after attack. November 13. Retrieved November 28 from http://www.cnn.com/2005/ HEALTH/11/13/heart.cells.reut.index.html