Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, despite major therapeutic advances over the past decades. A better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of CVD, as well as improved therapeutic strategies for its management and treatment, are urgently needed. Cardiovascular regenerative medicine is a rapidly evolving field providing novel approaches including cell-based, cell-free, tissue engineering, human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and hybrid therapies, which are changing the standard of care for millions of people. These treatments include regenerative medicine therapeutic strategies for the management of cardiovascular complications associated with severe COVID-19 infection and Post-Covid Syndrome (AKA Long- Hauler's Syndrome). The field of cardiac regenerative medicine must fill the void that exists between the bench and the clinic if physicians are to be properly informed and receive the necessary tools to treat the growing threat of CVD in the US and around the world. This review outlines how regenerative medicine is advancing the study and practice of cardiology and which procedures are currently in place to guide physicians in the use of this technology for the regeneration of lost or damaged cardiac tissue.