Toward Clinical Application of Stem Cells for Cardiac Regeneration

Abstract

Heart failure affects more than 10% of the Australian population over age 65, and the ageing population will ensure continued growth of this significant problem. There are various treatment options available, but the growing field of regenerative therapy offers promise to restore or replace tissue lost in those with either congenital or acquired cardiac defects. Stem cells have many potential properties, but they need multiple discussed qualities to succeed in this field such as ease of harvest and multiplication, and most importantly minimal ethical concerns. There are multiple cell types available and one of the challenges will be to find the most appropriate cell type for cardiac regenera..