Assessment Of Left Atrial Function Using Electro-anatomic Mapping And Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$82,554.00
Summary
This study aims to use a novel imaging technique, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, to assess the structure, function and blood flow of the heart chambers in patients with a heart rhythm abnormality called atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm abnormality and is a significant cause of stroke in Australia. This study may provide us with better tools to assess the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation and allow targeted preventive strategies.
Benefit Of 2D-strain Surveillance In Improving Cardiovascular Outcomes In Cancer Patients Undergoing Cardiotoxic Chemotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,391,979.00
Summary
Cancer survivors are susceptible to heart failure (HF) caused by heart muscle damage from chemotherapy. The current testing for this problem is based on a measure that cannot identify minor changes of cardiac function. Cardiac strain is a sensitive new marker of cardiac function which is predictive of overt dysfunction & HF. This study seeks to identify whether strain can be used to assign treatments that lead to improved cardiac function and are eventually associated with a reduction in HF.
Prediction Of Ventricular Arrhythmias And Prevention Of Sudden Cardiac Death Following Revascularised Acute Myocardial Infarction.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$117,270.00
Summary
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a leading cause of death in Australia. Patients with coronary artery disease and impaired left ventricular function are at increased risk of heart failure, reinfarction and sudden cardiac death (SCD). This research will evaluate optimal methods to identify patients at risk for SCD following AMI using echocardiographic, MRI, and electrophysiological characteristics, and improve survival by early identification and management of these high-risk patients.
Structural And Functional Consequences Of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Regression.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$293,036.00
Summary
Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a thickening of the heart muscle walls that occurs in a variety of cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, cardiac valve disorders and heart dilatation. The presence of LVH increases the risk of developing heart attacks, heart failure and death. Treatment of these disorders is a major component of our escalating health-care costs. Consequently, reversal of LVH may have significant benefits to individual patients and s ....Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a thickening of the heart muscle walls that occurs in a variety of cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, cardiac valve disorders and heart dilatation. The presence of LVH increases the risk of developing heart attacks, heart failure and death. Treatment of these disorders is a major component of our escalating health-care costs. Consequently, reversal of LVH may have significant benefits to individual patients and society in general. We propose to develop a mouse model of an inherited form of LVH that is caused by gene mutations in heart muscle proteins. This model will enable us to study in detail the disease processes that cause LVH and the effects of reversing LVH. This information will be invaluable for determining the best ways of treating patients with LVH.Read moreRead less
Clinical Utility Of New Non-invasive Assessments Of Left Ventricular Function.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$48,361.00
Summary
This project involves a series of studies that investigate the use of new ultrasound measurements of heart function in order to assess whether or nor they make a meaningful contribution to patient management, both in terms of diagnosis and monitoring of treatments. Major studies include: 1) Detection and prevention of early heart disease in patients who are undergoing toxic chemotherapy for cancer; and 2) Investigation and treatment of patients with a high blood pressure response to exercise.
I am a cardiology research scientist investigating the differences between physiological (“good”) and pathological (“bad”) heart growth- cardiac hypertrophy. In general, heart failure research and therapy has concentrated on identifying and inhibiting pathological processes. In contrast, my research is unique because it has focused on activating physiological pathways (elevated in the athlete’s heart) in the failing heart as a potential new strategy for the treatment of heart failure and atrial ....I am a cardiology research scientist investigating the differences between physiological (“good”) and pathological (“bad”) heart growth- cardiac hypertrophy. In general, heart failure research and therapy has concentrated on identifying and inhibiting pathological processes. In contrast, my research is unique because it has focused on activating physiological pathways (elevated in the athlete’s heart) in the failing heart as a potential new strategy for the treatment of heart failure and atrial fibrillation.Read moreRead less
New Insights Into The Mechanisms Of Thrombogenesis In Atrial Fibrillation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,946.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disturbance (arrhythmia), which is associated with a high risk of stroke due to clot formation within the left atria. At present we still only have a limited understanding of the mechanism of clot formation in AF. The aim of this study is to determine the critical mechanisms that contribute to clot formation within the left atria in AF. This knowledge is fundamental to the development of more successful interventional approaches.
CAMERA-MRI II: Catheter Ablation Versus Medical Rate Control In Atrial Fibrillation With Systolic Heart Failure And Myocardial Fibrosis - An MRI Guided Multi-Centre Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an irregular heart rhythm commonly seen in patients with a weakened heart muscle. Symptoms and heart function may improve if the rhythm is restored through a catheter ablation procedure. This study will assess whether this procedure improves the function of the heart in those with AF where there is weakness and scarring of the heart. We hope to better determine which patients are best suited and will derive the most benefit from this procedure.
Formyl Peptide Receptor Biased Agonists As Novel Cardioprotection From Myocardial Infarction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$948,291.00
Summary
Heart attack is caused by a blocked heart blood vessel. Current therapy focuses on rapid reopening of the vessel, to allow blood supply to return. However, even if this is successful, affected patients are often left with impaired heart muscle pumping function, ultimately progressing to heart failure. We have discovered an exciting new mechanism to protect heart muscle from injury and preserve its function, and we plan to develop new drugs for heart attack based on this mechanism.