Fact Check: Can the human heart be recycled?

NewsMeter received the claim on WhatsApp to verify it.

Fact Check

NewsMeter found the claim to be false.

Computed tomography, commonly known as CT scan, takes computer-assisted X-ray images for a cross-sectional view of the body. Cardiac CT is a heart-imaging test that uses CT technology to learn about the anatomy of the heart, coronary circulation, and vessels.

https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/ct-heart-scan

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ct-coronary-angiogram/about/pac-20385117

Computed tomography is a screening using coronary angiogram (CTCA) using X-ray imaging to check if the heart has a limited blood flow. This screening is an advanced method of diagnosing problems in the blood vessels. The CT Angio 700 Slice is an advanced device described on the hospital's website, `Oxymed'.

https://www.oxymedhospital.in/700.php

https://www.oxymedhospital.in/700.php

Enhanced External Counter Pulse (EECP) Therapy is an outpatient therapy for chronic stable angina. It uses pressure on the lower limbs to improve blood flow in people with long-term symptoms of heart disease, such as chest pain and pressure approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It treats chronic chest pain or stress (chronic stable angina) that does not respond to other therapies.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16949-enhanced-external-counterpulsation-eecp#:~:text=Enhanced%20external%20counterpulsation%20(EECP)%20treatment,as%20chest%20pain%20and%20pressure

https://www.verywellhealth.com/enhanced-external-counterpulsation-eecp-1745293

EECP benefits the patient by activating the small arteries and establishing myocardial blood flow. So if the left side of the heart is obstructed, the blood supply from the right side is maintained by collateral circulation.

Reasons to consider EECP as an alternative to bypass surgery and angioplasty, which is safe and does not require hospitalization. Less expensive compared to angioplasty and bypass surgery. In angioplasty, a stent block is inserted into the artery.

https://www.oplushealthcare.com/latest-update/alternative-to-angio/19990

https://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/health-&-fitness/article/the-best-alternative-to-bypass-surgery-eecp-treatment-23157585#:~:text=What%20is%20EECP%3F-,EECP%20is%20a%20US%2DFDA%20approved%20alternative%20treatment%20for%20patients,daily%20for%20one%20hour%20sessions

Hence, the claim is false. There is no evidence that the heart can be recycled using CT and EECP machines.