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How Artificial Hearts Can Regenerate Heart Muscle

A research team led by Dr. Hesham Sadek at the University of Arizona’s Sarver Heart Center discovered that some patients with artificial hearts can regenerate heart muscle. Such a discovery could potentially open new pathways to treat heart failure, which affects nearly 7 million U.S. adults. Most notably, the international study found that patients with artificial hearts regenerated muscle cells at more than six times the rate of healthy hearts, providing the first irrefutable evidence of heart muscle regeneration in humans.

Specifically, the research suggests that the heart’s inability to rest prevents regeneration after birth, as heart cells must continuously pump blood. Therefore, artificial hearts may provide the necessary “rest” for regeneration to occur. While only about 25% of patients with artificial hearts show this regenerative response, the findings could lead to new treatments, as artificial hearts are already widely used. This breakthrough builds on Sadek’s previous research, including his 2011 discovery that heart muscle cells stop dividing shortly after birth to focus on pumping blood and his 2014 evidence of cell division in artificial heart patients.

Read the science here.

Image from iStock by Ivan-balvan.

See medical disclaimer below.

The ideas expressed here are solely the opinions of the author and are not researched or verified by AGEIST LLC, or anyone associated with AGEIST LLC. This material should not be construed as medical advice or recommendation, it is for informational use only. We encourage all readers to discuss with your qualified practitioners the relevance of the application of any of these ideas to your life. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your physician or other qualified health provider. Please call your doctor or 911 immediately if you think you may have a medical or psychiatric emergency.

Taylor Marks
Taylor Marks is a certified holistic health coach and professionally trained chef from The Institute of Culinary Education. Her passions include the latest research in health science, culinary arts, holistic wellness, and guiding others towards feeling their best.