Cardiovascular illnesses, also known as heart diseases, encompass various heart-related disorders, including coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, heart rhythm disorders, cardiomyopathy, and congenital heart defects. These conditions are present at birth and are among the leading causes of death globally, with approximately 17.9 million deaths in 2019. Severe cardiovascular diseases like arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, and advanced heart failure require heart transplants. Before patients can be listed, they must be diagnosed with end-stage heart disease, show no improvements from medical treatment, and be given a prognosis indicating they may only survive for a year without a transplant.

With the increasing number of patients with end-organ heart failure, scientists are looking for ways to repair or replace damaged organs. One promising area is regenerative medicine, which uses tissue engineering and cellular biology to regenerate and engineer human cells, tissues, or organs. Stem cells are a key component of this field, as they have the ability to differentiate into any organism cell and generate new tissue. By utilizing personalized stem cells, researchers can create organs tailored to a patient's specific genetic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic information.

One approach that shows promise is the creation of "ghost hearts." This process involves removing cells from an animal heart and applying stem cells from a patient to produce a customized heart. The animal heart serves as a scaffold for the newly grown heart, which is cultured in a bioreactor to allow cells to grow and migrate. Although this technique is still in the developmental stage, it has the potential to end organ shortages once it is perfected.

In this literature review, I will examine the current trends and techniques in regenerative medicine pertaining to heart disease treatment. I will explore "ghost hearts," their creation, application, and challenges faced by pioneers, as well as their potential to revolutionize organ transplantation.

1. Heart disease is a medical condition that encompasses a range of conditions that affect the structure and function of the heart. It is a leading cause of death worldwide, claiming millions of lives each year. Heart disease may be caused by a range of factors, including genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

2. If you or someone you know is living with heart disease, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Treatment options may include medication, lifestyle changes, and medical procedures, such as surgery or heart transplantation, depending on the severity of the disease.

3. One exciting area of research in the treatment of heart disease is regenerative medicine, which involves the use of stem cells to repair and regenerate damaged tissues. Stem cells can be derived from various sources, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), embryonic stem cells (ESCs), cardiac stem cells (CSCs), and skeletal myoblasts.

4. Another innovation in the field of heart disease treatment is the use of bioartificial hearts, which aim to replace damaged or diseased hearts with fully-functional, lab-grown hearts. This technology is still in the early stages of development, but holds promise for the future of heart disease treatment.

5. If you are considering a heart transplant as a treatment option, it is important to meet the criteria and requirements set by medical professionals. These criteria may vary depending on the individual case, but generally include factors such as age, overall health, and willingness to adhere to post-transplant treatment protocols.

6. The World Health Organization reports that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including heart disease, are a leading cause of death worldwide. It is important for individuals to be aware of the risk factors for heart disease, and to work with healthcare providers to prevent and manage this condition.

7. Stem cell research has come a long way in recent years, with past advancements leading to present-day innovations and promising future research. Stem cells hold the potential to revolutionize the treatment of a range of medical conditions, including heart disease.

8. In conclusion, heart disease is a major global health concern that affects millions of individuals each year. However, there is hope for the future of heart disease treatment, with ongoing research and innovations in the areas of regenerative medicine and bioartificial hearts. It is important for individuals to work with healthcare providers to prevent, manage, and treat heart disease.