This study investigates the angiogenic and antiapoptotic potential of human adipose stromal cells (ASCs) as a novel source of therapeutic cells for cardiovascular disease. ASCs were isolated from human subcutaneous fat and characterized using flow cytometry. The cells secreted significant amounts of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Culturing ASCs in hypoxic conditions increased VEGF secretion by 5-fold, and transfection with a VEGF-encoding plasmid further augmented secretion by 200-fold. Conditioned media from hypoxic ASCs significantly enhanced endothelial cell growth and reduced apoptosis. In a nude mouse model of ischemic hindlimbs, treatment with human ASCs improved perfusion. The study suggests that autologous delivery of native or transduced ASCs, regulated by hypoxia, may be a novel therapeutic option for enhancing angiogenesis and achieving cardiovascular protection.This study investigates the angiogenic and antiapoptotic potential of human adipose stromal cells (ASCs) as a novel source of therapeutic cells for cardiovascular disease. ASCs were isolated from human subcutaneous fat and characterized using flow cytometry. The cells secreted significant amounts of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Culturing ASCs in hypoxic conditions increased VEGF secretion by 5-fold, and transfection with a VEGF-encoding plasmid further augmented secretion by 200-fold. Conditioned media from hypoxic ASCs significantly enhanced endothelial cell growth and reduced apoptosis. In a nude mouse model of ischemic hindlimbs, treatment with human ASCs improved perfusion. The study suggests that autologous delivery of native or transduced ASCs, regulated by hypoxia, may be a novel therapeutic option for enhancing angiogenesis and achieving cardiovascular protection.