Serial NT-proBNP Monitoring For Predicting Major Cardiovascular Events In The Dialysis Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$288,548.00
Summary
Dialysis patients have a 50-100 fold increased risk of dying from heart disease caused by abnormal heart muscle structure and function. Current tests are unable to accurately identify patients at the highest risk. A test that accurately detects the early stages of heart injury is urgently needed. The aim of our research is to develop a monitoring guide using regular testing of a heart hormone (NT-proBNP) to identify high-risk dialysis patients early allowing treatment before a serious medical co ....Dialysis patients have a 50-100 fold increased risk of dying from heart disease caused by abnormal heart muscle structure and function. Current tests are unable to accurately identify patients at the highest risk. A test that accurately detects the early stages of heart injury is urgently needed. The aim of our research is to develop a monitoring guide using regular testing of a heart hormone (NT-proBNP) to identify high-risk dialysis patients early allowing treatment before a serious medical complication occurs.Read moreRead less
Local Cardiac Sex Steroids - New Therapeutic Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$646,994.00
Summary
The sex hormones, estrogen and testosterone, are implicated in susceptibility to heart diseases - the timing and type of disease development is different for women and men. The mechanisms for this are unknown. In this project we investigate the synthesis and breakdown of these hormones in the heart and determine how local hormone levels may affect heart muscle cell survival and function. The aim is to find ways of adjusting hormone balance to optimize protection when the heart is under stress.
Molecular Imaging And Therapy Of Cardiac Fibrosis In Atrial Fibrillation And Heart Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,021,656.00
Summary
Cardiac fibrosis is a serious medical condition which can lead to an irregular heart beat and heart failure. We will develop novel diagnostic agents which are more sensitive and able to detect fibrosis of the heart at an earlier time point. This would allow timely initiation of therapy. In addition, we will investigate novel targeted anti-fibrotic agents to treat this devastating disease condition more effectively and with less adverse effects.
Kidney Function And The Effectiveness And Safety Of Direct Oral Anticoagulants In Atrial Fibrillation: The KODIAK-AF Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,730.00
Summary
The direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are a relatively new type of drug that are used to prevent the onset of stroke among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). While these drugs have been demonstrated to be safe and effective among AF patients, in those AF patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), there is uncertainty as to whether these drugs are similarly safe. This program of research will study the safety profile of DOACs in patients with AF and CKD.
Quantifying The Burden Of Atrial Fibrillation: Impact Of Existing And New Treatments And The Potential For Prevention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$398,395.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) causes considerable morbidity and burden to the Australian economy. We will quantify the prevalent burden and costs of hospitalised AF, ascertain the risk of major events associated with AF and the impact of existing treatments, and determine the population-attributable risk for AF due to emerging risk factors. Our data will inform clinicians and health policy makers regarding the most effective allocation of expensive health care resources to minimise the burden of AF.
Shannon Entropy Mapping - AF Ablation From First Principles
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,589.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder in humans, and a rapidly growing epidemic in Australia. AF occurs because electrical circuits called rotors take over the top chambers of the heart. Until now, ablation procedures to target AF have not been able to specifically target rotors, which has meant operations are often long and arduous. This project uses new mathematical techniques we have developed to localise rotors driving AF, aiming to develop a faster safer and more ....Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder in humans, and a rapidly growing epidemic in Australia. AF occurs because electrical circuits called rotors take over the top chambers of the heart. Until now, ablation procedures to target AF have not been able to specifically target rotors, which has meant operations are often long and arduous. This project uses new mathematical techniques we have developed to localise rotors driving AF, aiming to develop a faster safer and more effective AF ablation.Read moreRead less
Atrial Remodelling And Risk Of Arrhythmias In Endurance Athletes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,006,750.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a heart rhythm problem that is 3 to 5 times more common in male athletes than the general male population - the reasons for this excess are not known. We hypothesize that the cardiac enlargement that is caused by high intensity exercise training increases the risk of AF. We will assess heart structure and function in 420 athletes across the age spectrum and assess the degree to which sports-induced changes are permanent and whether this represents an AF risk.
Phospholipase Cbeta 1b, A Target To Limit Atrial Dilatation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$544,847.00
Summary
We have identified a heart specific protein that is involved in perpetuating dilatation of the upper chambers of the heart and thereby contributing to cardiac disease. Inhibitors of this protein provide a suitable target for therapy to limit heart disease. The current studies aim to test such inhibitors in vivo as proof-of-concept that such treatment effectively limits cardiac dysfunction.
Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy And AV Node Ablation For Atrial Fibrillation In Heart Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,274,979.00
Summary
Heart failure (HF) and Atrial Fibrillation (AF) are both significant health issues that often coexist. Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) is a proven therapy for HF with ventricular dyssynchrony (uncoordinated contraction of the left ventricle). While CRT reduces symptoms and improves survival in normal rhythm, there are mixed reports in patients with AF. This prospective randomised multicentre study, will assess the role of AV node ablation to improve outcomes in CRT in AF.
RZR-alpha In The Control Of Proliferative Vascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$521,706.00
Summary
Four million Australians have cardiovascular disease accounting for 35% of all deaths. CVD is the most expensive disease burden and a National Health Priority. Smooth muscle cell growth is a cause of CVD. However, the mechanisms controlling SMC hyperplasia are poorly understood. This project will provide key insights on the role of RZR-alpha in the pathogenesis of blood vessel disease, and develop novel gene-targeting approaches for new opportunities to control complications of CVD.