Conventional wisdom is that the damage to a heart following a heart attack is irreversible, due to the fact that heart cells cannot regenerate, or renew, themselves. Researchers have now discovered that cardiac cells (cardiomyocytes) can be stimulated to regenerate or repair themselves in mice after the mice have been injected with a growth factor called neuregulin 1.

The research is exciting because, until now, treatment for congestive heart failure (CHF) has been aimed at controlling the symptoms, rather than reversing them. Symptoms of congestive heart failure can range from mild to very severe, and can include the following:

Fatigue

Shortness of breath

Swelling of the extremities

Decreased exercise tolerance

Shortness of breath when lying flat

Congestive heart failure cannot be cured. It is usually treated using medications that improve heart function and aid the body in ridding itself of excessive fluid that may accumulate when the heart does not pump blood efficiently. CHF can be very severe and can lead to complete disability over time, so this research is likely to spark some excitement in those who treat his condition.

The mice in the study were induced to suffer heart attacks, and then were injected with the growth factor. Following the injections, the mice showed less damage to the heart and an improvement in cardiac function. In addition, there was an increase in the amount of heart muscle cells.

Related Links:

Video: What is Congestive Heart Failure? from Health Guru

Congestive Heart Failure Treatment from the Cardiology Channel

Congestive Heart Failure from eMedicine