Autism — A Problem for the Heart Too

The Brain-Heart Connection

The relationship between brain and nervous system function on one side, and the cardiovascular system on the other, may not seem obvious at first glance. However, such a connection does exist, and autism symptoms can manifest in various ways:

• Some genetic disorders associated with autism, such as Rett syndrome and Fragile X syndrome, include heart-related abnormalities. For instance, Rett syndrome often involves a prolonged QT interval, which reflects the electrical stability of the heart and increases the risk of arrhythmias.
• Common genetic features in autism — for example, mutations in the CNTNAP2 or CHD8 genes — may also affect cardiovascular health.

Medication Side Effects

Side effects of medications also play a role:

• Antipsychotics used to manage behavior in autism can lead to weight gain, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance, thereby raising cardiovascular disease risk. This underscores the importance of regular monitoring of metabolic health indicators.

Lifestyle Factors and Added Risks

Lifestyle-related aspects of autism may further contribute to heart-related risks:

• Challenges in maintaining a balanced diet, low physical activity, and sleep disturbances — all common in autism spectrum disorders — promote obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
• Sensory sensitivities often lead to selective eating in autistic individuals. A lack of dietary diversity and balance results in nutrient deficiencies.
• The autonomic nervous system may function abnormally, which can manifest as irregular heart rate variability and impaired blood pressure regulation — both precursors to cardiovascular issues.
• Chronic inflammation, linked to general immune dysregulation, can elevate cytokine levels, affecting both the nervous and vascular systems.

Shared Prenatal Factors

Certain prenatal conditions are common contributors:

• Maternal hypertension, diabetes, or obesity may indirectly impact fetal cardiovascular development and increase the risk of autism in the child.
• Autistic children are more frequently diagnosed with congenital heart defects, indicating shared disruptions in embryonic development.
• Comorbid conditions such as obesity, epilepsy, or psychiatric disorders heighten the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Chronic stress — often caused by social challenges or sensory overload in autism — raises cortisol levels, which can contribute to hypertension and endothelial dysfunction.

The Need for Preventive Care

A direct causal link between autism and cardiovascular diseases has not yet been established. Nevertheless, the numerous overlapping features highlight the importance of heart and vascular health monitoring, physical activity, balanced nutrition, and stress reduction measures tailored to sensory sensitivities.

Addressing Neurodevelopmental Issues Through Cell Therapy

The most reliable way to lower these risks — even with existing genetic predispositions — is to correct neurodevelopmental impairments themselves.

This can be achieved through cell therapy, an innovative and safe method for overcoming autism and its symptoms, far more effective than traditional approaches. The core of this treatment is the transplantation of the patient’s own stem cells, eliminating the risk of rejection. These cells can transform into various other cell types, replacing defective ones with healthy equivalents. The result is normalization of brain and nervous system function, behavioral stabilization, and a noticeable reduction in autism symptoms — often within a short time frame. The benefits can be long-lasting or even permanent, significantly improving the effectiveness of other therapeutic interventions.

Moreover, this approach is one of the most natural, as healing is achieved by stimulating the body’s own regenerative capabilities.

Cell therapy is no longer experimental — it’s widely recognized and may become a primary treatment option for autism and its associated conditions. It is already being offered at leading clinics around the world, including the Mardaleishvili Medical Center, where highly experienced specialists use the latest equipment to perform stem cell transplants.

Treatment here meets the strictest quality standards and is more affordable compared to other countries. An additional reason to choose the Mardaleishvili Medical Center is the support provided for travel planning and other logistics, including accommodation.

Cell therapy — a chance to overcome autism and prevent heart disease!