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Stem cells, myocardial infarction and new blood vessel growth

From the 1997 endothelial progenitor discovery to today's research

Quick answer

A myocardial infarction occurs when a coronary artery blocks and heart muscle loses blood supply. The cell approach EHL Bio describes uses adult stem cells to stimulate vascular regeneration around the blockage, improving perfusion. This field began after Asahara's 1997 discovery of endothelial progenitor cells and clinical trials have expanded since, but it is not standard care in place of revascularisation.

Key facts

Goal
New vessel growth, better perfusion
Field origin
Asahara's 1997 discovery
Acute standard of care
PCI stenting
Likely mechanism
Paracrine secreted factors
Evidence level
Mixed clinical results

What saves lives in an acute heart attack

What saves lives in acute infarction is opening the artery as fast as possible via PCI stenting or thrombolysis. Every minute of delay means more muscle lost, so nothing else should be waited for.

Where cell therapy fits after the acute event

Cell therapy sits in the post-acute context: improving perfusion in chronically ischaemic territory, or in heart failure patients not fully responding to optimal medical therapy.

Human trial results remain mixed

Human trial results worldwide remain mixed: some report small ejection fraction gains, others none. Researchers broadly agree any benefit comes from secreted factors rather than cells becoming new cardiomyocytes.

The work-up you should insist on

Interested patients should ask about pre-assessment — echocardiography, perfusion imaging and current medications — and note that risk-reducing drugs such as statins, aspirin and beta blockers must continue as prescribed.

Frequently asked questions

  • Can stem cells repair heart scar tissue?

    No evidence of erasing scar. Research focuses on improving perfusion in surrounding tissue.

  • Can it replace stenting?

    No. Opening the blocked artery is life-saving and must come first.

  • Is it suitable in heart failure?

    Studies exist in this group, but patient selection and cardiologist supervision are essential.

  • Is there an arrhythmia risk?

    It depends on cell type and delivery; older myoblast studies reported it, so monitoring after the procedure is required.

Medical cautions

5 points • reviewed 2026-08-28

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  • This article is educational information only — not a diagnosis, prescription, or personal medical advice.
  • Outcomes vary by person, depending on age, underlying conditions, current medication, and the treating doctor's technique.
  • Consult a licensed physician and verify the clinic's licence before deciding on any treatment.
  • Some treatments (certain stem cell therapies in particular) are regulated differently by country — check Thai and Korean rules before travelling.
  • Prices, packages, and service details can change — confirm directly with the provider before paying.

Reviewed and last updated: 2026-08-28

References and sources

10 sources • every claim is traceable

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  1. 1. EHL Bio — company introduction

    https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/company/about/

  2. 2. EHL Bio — company history

    https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/company/history/

  3. 3. EHL Bio — GMP centre

    https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/rd/gmp/

  4. 4. EHL Bio — stem cell therapeutics pipeline

    https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/rd/institute/

  5. 5. EHL Bio — patents and research papers

    https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/rd/patent/

  6. 6. EHL Bio — EHL-STEM conditioned media

    https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/conditioned/

  7. 7. EHL Bio — immune cells

    https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/immune_cell/

  8. 8. EHL Bio — target diseases

    https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/cure/index/

  9. 9. EHL Bio — locations and contact

    https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/company/contact/

  10. 10. Original article on khunkim.com (pre-migration)

    https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/cure/myocardial_infarction/

Browse the full reference library →

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Last updated: 2026-08-28 · This content is for information only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified doctor before making treatment decisions.

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