Stem cells are being used in the treatment of cardivovascular diseases. Here, we review the physiologic and pathologic conditions that impact the regenerative potential of stem cells in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases which include the influence of donor age and the presence of metabolic syndromes. We will also discuss strategies such as pretreatment of the recipient tissue or autologous or allogeneic stem cells by growth factors or drugs and by providing a synthetic scaffold and genetic modifications that impact the regenerative potential of stem cells. Finally, we will evaluate the current state of treatment of acute or chronic cardiovascular diseases with allogeneic stem cells.