Ventricular Remodelling In Cardiomyopathy _ Impact On Ventricular Physiology And Cardiovascular Outcome.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$123,337.00
Summary
Diffuse myocardial fibrosis is the widespread deposition of scar tissue in heart muscle and is a common final pathway of cardiac disease. A new technique (contrast-enhanced T1 mapping) using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging can non-invasively detect this scarring. The proposed research intends to further determine the significance of diffuse myocardial fibrosis in cardiac disease, evaluate its link with diastolic heart failure and examine the potential therapeutic role of anti-fibrotic agents.
THE ROLE OF DIFFUSE MYOCARDIAL FIBROSIS IN MYOCARDIAL STIFFNESS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$545,126.00
Summary
In many cardiac diseases stiffening of the heart can occur, resulting in worsening symptoms of breathlessness, fatigue and even death. Whilst the exact cause of heart stiffening is not well known, fibrosis of the heart is believed to of prime importance. This research will examine the contribution of fibrosis to heart stiffening, using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) as a non-invasive means of assessing heart fibrosis.
Investigation Of Sudden Cardiac Death In The Young
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$682,823.00
Summary
Sudden cardiac death is a major tragedy in young people. In approximately one third of such cases, no cause of death is found at autopsy. This study will investigate the causes of sudden cardiac death in the young, with a specific emphasis on the underlying genetic causes of sudden unexplained death. This information will be used for screening surviving family relatives, thereby improving both diagnostic and treatment-prevention opportunities and reducing sudden cardiac death in our community.
Characterisation Of Sub-clinical Cardiac Dysfunction Using Novel Cardiac Exercise Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,552.00
Summary
Heart failure is caused by heart muscle weakness and is associated with reduced quality of life and survival. Identification of heart failure in its earliest stages provides clinicians with an opportunity to institute preventative measures and prevent patients from developing symptoms. This project utilises novel ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging techniques performed during exercise to identify heart muscle weakness at its earliest stage.
“Beyond The Tape Measure” - Measuring The Impact Of Abnormal Flow Dynamics On Dilation Of The Ascending Aorta.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$723,771.00
Summary
Dilation of the ascending aorta is an important cause of death, leading to aortic rupture and dissection. The rate of complications has not improved in two decades, because our ability to detect and predict disease has not changed. This project will use 4D flow and other types of cutting edge magnetic resonance imaging to address this clinical need, building knowledge regarding the abnormal flows that cause aortic dilatation, enabling earlier diagnosis and providing new insights.
Early Detection Of Chemotherapy-related Cardiotoxicity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$269,401.00
Summary
This project examines myocardial dysfunction in breast cancer patients treated with anthracycline chemotherapy. Chemotherapy related cardiotoxicity is often asymptomatic until significant cardiac dysfunction occurs. Cardiac function is evaluated by LV ejection fraction (LVEF), which is a coarse measure of cardiac function. Strain analysis measure myocardial deformation and is more sensitive to subclinical cardiac dysfunction, and demonstrates alterations prior to the development of reduced LVEF.
The Haemodynamic Effects Of Cardiac Compression By Large Hiatal Hernia And The Relationship To Exercise Impairment.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$117,270.00
Summary
Large hiatal herniae (HH) often cause debilitating exercise intolerance - the mechanism of which is unknown. This project will define the functional and haemodynamic significance of cardiac compression in patients with large HH, providing new insights into the mechanism of exercise impairment in these patients as well as clinical tools for pre-operative selection of patients likely to benefit most from surgical repair.