A pill to mend broken hearts could be a reality in as little as five years if enough support is given to early research, it has been claimed.
The prediction was made at the launch of a £50 million fundraising campaign to boost pioneering work on heart failure.
Scientists are taking the first steps down avenues of stem cell research and biotechnology that could one day make damaged hearts as easy to repair as broken bones.
Many animals have the ability to regenerate parts of their bodies, including hearts. A team at University College London has been studying how the zebra fish can renew its heart even when a fifth of the organ is missing.
Experts say if the research is successful, new heart repair treatments could take the place of transplant surgery.
The British Heart Foundation is behind the Mending Broken Hearts appeal, which marks its 50th anniversary and comes as heart failure rates are reaching epidemic proportions with an estimated 750,000 sufferers.
Anyone who wants to support their appeal can call 0300 333 0333 or visit bhf.org.uk/mbh.
