Is there a cure for a broken heart?

Researchers believe a new patch made of stem cells could provide a solution for treatment following heart attacks.

The research was announced during the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) Conference in Manchester yesterday.

Researchers from Imperial College London and other partner universities in the UK and abroad have been working on heart regeneration methods at the London British Heart Foundation (BHF) Centre of Regenerative Medicine. This research funded by the BHF has led to the development of heart patches which are intended to be used on people whose hearts may be damaged as a result of suffering a heart attack.

The patch is intended to improve the supply of blood to the heart which can become blocked by blood clots, and result in permanent damage to the organ.

These patches are developed from the patient’s own cells, which are then converted in to stem cells. Stem cells can change in to other types of cells and reproduce more of the same type. Thus, those forming the patch are programmed to turn in to working heart muscle. The patch is described as ‘thumb-size’ and is stated to be 3cmx2cm.

Research displayed an improvement in function of the heart after a heart attack, and also showed the patches as safe in rabbits. It was claimed that after four weeks detailed heart scans showed no abnormal heart rhythms, which is a potential side effect of other stem cell delivery methods.  

Dr Richard Jabbour who carried out the research at the London BHF Centre of Regenerative Medicine said: "One day, we hope to add heart patches to the treatments that doctors can routinely offer people after a heart attack. We could prescribe one of these patches alongside medicines for someone with heart failure, which you could take from a shelf and implant straight in to a person."

Professor Metin Avkiran, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, which funded this research, commented: "This is a prime example of world-leading research that has the potential to mend broken hearts and transform lives around the globe. If clinical trials can show the benefits of these heart patches in people after a heart attack, it would be a great leap forward for regenerative medicine.

"Due in large part to research we've funded, more people are surviving heart attacks than ever before. But that means there's a growing number of people at risk of heart failure, as their hearts can't recover from the damage caused by the heart attack.

"Heart failure is a debilitating and life-changing condition with no cure, making everyday tasks incredibly difficult. If we can patch the heart up and help it heal, we could transform the outlook for these people."

Human trials are anticipated to start in the next two years, following the tests in rabbits.