Professor Anthony Mathur, Cardiologist and Trustee of the Heart Cells Foundation, explained that once your heart becomes too weak or stiff to work properly, you are dealing with a condition known as heart failure.
Heart failure means that the heart is unable to pump blood around the body properly. The condition doesn’t mean that your heart has stopped working, but it means that your heart needs some support to help it work better.
The cardiologist suggested that this is where stem cell therapy could step in. The treatment could help enhance your overall heart health.
Q What are the early signs of heart failure?
Professor Mathur: One noticeable indication is feeling breathless, particularly during physical activity but also when at rest. Another key indicator for potential heart failure is an unusual level of fatigue and weakness.
In heart failure, the heart may encounter challenges in supplying adequate oxygen and nutrients to the body, resulting in insufficient blood supply to vital organs and muscles. This can lead to an overwhelming sense of tiredness.
Additionally, swelling is an early sign as the body may retain fluids, causing the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen to swell. An irregular or fast heartbeat is another early warning sign to look out for.
Lastly, persistent coughing with blood and wheezing may indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs. Recognising these signs early is crucial for seeking timely help.
While these symptoms can be associated with various health issues, if they persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult with a GP.
Q What should you do once you spot the warning signs of heart failure?
Professor Mathur: If you observe early signs of heart failure, it is crucial to take action. Reach out to your GP or call emergency services if the symptoms are severe.
A consultation with your GP can provide valuable insights into the root cause of the symptoms through tests like blood tests or heart scans.
Q What is stem cell therapy and how can it enhance overall heart health?
Professor Mathur: Stem cell therapy for heart failure involves using a person’s own stem cells to improve their heart function. In this approach, a cardiologist would take stem cells from the patient’s bone marrow or fat tissues.
After processing these cells, they are put back into the heart to help repair damaged tissue and make the heart function at its normal capacity. For heart failure, where the heart struggles to pump blood properly, using a person’s own stem has different advantages.
These stem cells can turn into different types, including heart muscle cells. By doing this, they encourage the heart to repair itself and grow new blood vessels. The stem cells also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can calm down inflammation often linked with heart failure.
Unlike heart transplants, where a new heart from a donor is implanted into the patient’s body, stem cell therapy poses fewer risks of rejection. This personalised approach reduces the need for immunosuppressive drugs, making the treatment potentially safer and more manageable.