The application of autopsy and explanted heart samples in scientific research

Cardiovascular disease, which accounts for nearly one-third of deaths globally, is a great threat to human life and health. To improve global health and advance the progression of cardiovascular research, human heart samples are urgently needed. At present, human heart samples mainly come from heart transplantation and autopsy. Both sources have contributed to great advances in cardiovascular research. Since each have advantages and disadvantages, their combination can complement each other and provide more abundant research samples. This review will introduce the application status of autopsy and explanted heart samples and compare their advantages and disadvantages. We hope this review will provide guidance for better utilization of these cardiac samples.