220 Heart Transplantee to Healer: Regenerative Medicine Breakthroughs with Mark Durante

In Episode 220 of the Growing Older, Living Younger  podcast, Dr. Gillian  Lockitch talks with Mark Durante, heart transplant survivor and founder of Rize Up Medical. Mark reveals how regenerative therapies like stem cells, exosomes, and PRP transformed his life when nothing else worked. He shares the RIZE Method—a powerful framework for health and longevity—and explains why personalized medicine is the future for healthy longevity.

Episode Timeline 

0:00 – Podcast Introduction  
Dr. Gillian  Lockitch  introduces the 2025 theme: "Age is just a number," and sets the stage for a conversation about reversing disease and aging through regenerative medicine.  

3:52 – Mark's Life-Altering Health Journey  
Mark shares how unexplained neuropathy led to a shocking heart failure diagnosis and two heart transplants—ultimately diagnosed as idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy with a genetic component.  

9:08 – Discovering Regenerative Medicine  
After exhausting conventional options, Mark finds relief with stem cell therapy and begins a deep dive into biologics. A 50% reduction in neuropathic pain medications sparked a lifelong mission.  

14:35 – Exploring Regenerative Therapies  
Mark explains PRP, exosomes, and acellular stem cells—how they work, why they matter, and how they're used safely, especially in immunocompromised patients like himself.  

14:51 – Gillian's Personal Health Setback  
Dr.  Lockitch shares her story of recently battling persistent atrial fibrillation despite a disciplined, healthy lifestyle and overall vitality. Her experience underscores the need for resilience and multiple healing paths.  

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