Can Stem Cells Treat High Cholesterol?

A stem cell is a specialized cell that has the ability to transform into other types. While the investigation into the medicine is still being explored, they are thought to potentially have benefits to reduce inflammation, promote new blood vessel growth, and improve liver function to treat high cholesterol.

Dr. John C. Haasis III leads Daisy Stem Cell Therapy, one of the East Coast’s leading stem cell centers. Dr. Haasis is a board-certified pain management anesthesiologist with more than 25 years of experience, making it his mission to help educate patients about stem cells.

Contact us online or call any of our office locations in the Carolinas at (864) 775-5682 to learn more about stem cells.

About High Cholesterol

The body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but too much of it can build up in the blood. Cholesterol is a waxy substance present in the blood, and when there is too much, it accumulates in the arteries, and further buildup causes plaque. This buildup clogs blood vessels and makes it hard for enough blood to flow through the arteries. ⁽¹⁾ If a piece of plaque breaks loose and forms a blood clot, this may lead to a heart attack or stroke.

High cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, can affect the growth of new blood vessels, which are important for maintaining blood flow. ⁽²⁾ High cholesterol poses a serious health threat to the arteries and overall cardiovascular health.

Too high cholesterol levels can change how stem cells work; it reduces the activity of a protein called Tet1, which is necessary for differentiating stem cells into beneficial monocyte subtypes that promote blood vessel growth. High cholesterol causes more stem cells to turn into “bad” monocytes that can cause inflammation in the body and fewer to turn into “good” monocytes that help with the production of new blood vessels. ⁽²⁾ When this shift occurs, the body struggles to grow new blood vessels, which can result in poor blood flow and an increased risk of serious conditions.

Symptoms and Causes of High Cholesterol

High cholesterol often results from lifestyle choices, such as not getting enough exercise, not eating a balanced diet, obesity, and smoking. High cholesterol is also inheritable through genes, regardless of lifestyle. Cholesterol levels also rise with age; men have a higher risk earlier in life, while women’s risk increases after menopause. Other factors, such as hypothyroidism, kidney disease, HIV/AIDS, and diabetes, can also raise cholesterol, especially if patients are taking medications like steroids, diuretics, and certain blood pressure medications. ⁽²⁾

High cholesterol has no symptoms until it causes significant damage, such as heart disease or stroke. The only way to check if you have high cholesterol is with a routine blood test. However, when symptoms do appear, they are usually complications of narrowed arteries, chest pains, and, in rare cases, yellow skin deposits.

The Link Between High Cholesterol and Stem Cells

High cholesterol triggers the overproduction and mobilization of immune-related stem cells from bone marrow, promoting inflammation. PCSK9 has become a major target for cholesterol treatment and cardiovascular disease protection over the past few decades. It is an enzyme that binds to receptors on cell surfaces that normally capture “bad” cholesterol. When PCSK9 binds to these receptors, it reduces the number of LDL receptors, leading to high cholesterol levels in the blood and increasing the risk of hypercholesterolemia. What helps halt the transcription of these specific genes is the use of polypurine reverse Hoogsteen hairpins (PPRHs), small DNA molecules that act as a “genetic switch” to turn off harmful genes that cause high cholesterol. PPRHs inhibit the PCSK9 gene, resulting in an increase of LDL receptors, which are cell-surface membranes that regulate cholesterol levels by binding with low-density lipoprotein particles and removing them from the bloodstream. This action helps reduce both circulating cholesterol and the risk of plaque in the arteries.

CD34⁺ hematopoietic cells are another form of stem cell therapy that treats atherosclerosis, a disease involving the buildup of plaque (cholesterol, fat, and calcium) inside artery walls. Atherosclerosis can stem from high levels of LDL cholesterol that restrict blood flow and lead to heart attacks and strokes. ⁽³⁾ CD34⁺ hematopoietic cells serve as a therapy for end-stage atherosclerotic disease by promoting new vessel formation and repairing damaged vascular endothelium.

Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy, particularly MSCs, can help lower high cholesterol levels and offer many positive benefits, including:

Candidates

With growing research confirming the positive effects of stem cell therapy on lowering high cholesterol levels, more patients feel confident in taking control of their health with these treatments. If you are experiencing high levels of cholesterol (regardless of any alarming symptoms), if you are experiencing atherosclerosis or ischemic damage, if you cannot tolerate statins, or if you experience treatment-resistant hypercholesterolemia, you may be an ideal candidate for this procedure. You must also be in relatively good health aside from your high cholesterol levels and hold realistic expectations for your treatment outcomes.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, Dr. Haasis will examine your medical history and lifestyle factors. He will also review your blood test results to determine your exact cholesterol levels. With this information, he will outline a treatment plan focusing on helping you reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel health. Dr. Haasis will walk you through the stem cell therapy procedure, explain the administration, and discuss how your body will feel after treatment. During this meeting, he will answer any questions or concerns you may have before proceeding. Stem cell therapy for high cholesterol is often not a standard first-line treatment, but it is currently being explored for its benefits.

If you would like to explore stem cells more, contact us online or call (864) 775-5682 to reach any of our locations:

Preparation

Effectively preparing for your stem cell therapy is important. Along with gathering lipid panels, health records, and a list of current medications, creating a healthy foundation will optimize your stem cell therapy. Dr. Haasis advises you to:

Procedure

Dr. Haasis will administer stem cells throughout your body through intravenous infusion or direct injection into the treatment areas. He will gently and carefully administer the cells, making sure you are responsive and comfortable throughout the entire procedure.

Recovery and Results

After your treatment, Dr. Haasis will monitor your health for about 30 minutes to ensure that your body adapts well to the new cells. During your recovery, you should prioritize rest for 48 hours following your treatment, as mild discomfort and tenderness may be present. You should also avoid anti-inflammatory drugs for about six weeks and maintain your hydration levels, as this can assist in circulation and reduce inflammation. Throughout the following weeks, you should maintain a nutrient-dense diet to support cellular repair while avoiding alcohol and high sugar intake. Regeneration is a gradual process; stem cells will not lower your cholesterol overnight, and this therapy works best in conjunction with healthy choices and regular exercise.

Cost of Stem Cell Treatment for High Cholesterol in The Carolinas

The cost of your stem cell treatment depends on the severity of your cholesterol levels and the number of treatment sessions you will need. During your personal consultation, Dr. Haasis will create a personalized treatment plan that reflects your goals and provide a corresponding cost outline. Contact us online or call any of our office locations at (864) 775-5682 to schedule your personal consultation and learn more about how stem cell therapy can be a beneficial treatment for your cholesterol.

FAQ

References

1. Mayo Clinic. High Cholesterol. Mayo Clinic. Published March 7, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/symptoms-causes/syc-20350800
2. From Stem Cells to Blood Flow: Studying the Effects of High Cholesterol on Artery Development in the Messina Lab. UMass Chan Medical School. Published August 20, 2024. Accessed April 8, 2026. https://www.umassmed.edu/dcoe/diabetes-research/high-cholesterol-on-artery-development/
3. Lang JK, Cimato TR. Cholesterol and Hematopoietic Stem Cells: Inflammatory Mediators of Atherosclerosis. STEM CELLS Translational Medicine. 2014;3(5):549-552. doi:https://doi.org/10.5966/sctm.2013-0205