Invasive Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing For The Evaluation Of Unexplained And Complex Multifactorial BREATHlessnEss (i-BREATHE)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
Breathlessness is a common symptom that can be caused by diseases of the heart, lungs or muscles. It is not uncommon that the cause is undiagnosed either because conventional tests do not yield a diagnosis, or because an individual suffers from multiple diseases. This research aims to use invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing, a highly specialised test which simultaneously measures breathing, heart and muscle function, to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with breathlessness.
Up to 80% of out of hospital cardiac arrest patients do not receive bystander CPR –often because those at the scene do not have the required skills. Without immediate action the condition is fatal. Through my doctoral research I aim to investigate the best methods for providing a targeted approach of training basic life support to a group at high risk of these events -cardiac patients. I plan to develop and test the feasibility of incorporating this training into cardiac rehabilitation programs.
SMARTphone-Based Cardiovascular Risk Reduction In BREAST Cancer Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,662.00
Summary
Heart disease is a leading cause of death in patients with breast cancer. Physical exercise during cancer treatment has been shown to improve overall survival by reducing future problems with the heart as well as recurrence of the cancer. Despite this, few women achieve the guideline recommended target for exercise. This study will test a Smartphone application called 'BreastMate' which is designed to promote physical activity and heart health in patients with breast cancer.
Cardio-oncology is dedicated to preventing and treating cardiovascular issues in cancer patients. We aim to establish the first Australian perspective on this emerging field. We will assess the role of biomarkers in detecting cardiotoxicity from cancer therapy so patients can be safely guided through their cancer treatment. Finally, we will investigate if advanced cardiac imaging can detect cardiotoxicity earlier so patients can have optimal cancer therapy whilst preserving cardiac function.
Anatomy, Epidemiology And Aetiology Of Tricuspid Valve Disease And Its Impact On The Development Of Emerging Transcatheter Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,662.00
Summary
Tricuspid valve disease is common, associated with poor prognosis and has few available treatment options. The aim of this project is to improve our understanding of the burden of tricuspid valve disease, and the factors that drive its occurrence and progression. We also aim to improve our practice of pacemaker/defibrillator insertion (which can injury the tricuspid valve). Our investigations will help inform improvement in the treatment of this condition, including minimally invasive options.
In persistent atrial fibrillation the underlying mechanisms involved and how they vary in different patient populations remain poorly elucidated. As a result, curative techniques have a low success rate. It is anticipated that this study will provide detailed information regarding the mechanism of and underlying atrial substrate for persistent atrial fibrillation. This information will be expected to form a foundation on which development of curative and preventative approaches may be tailored.
CompUted Tomography Coronary Angiography, Transthoracic Echocardiography AnD Assessment Of AssOciation Between Obesity, Weight ReductioN And Coronary Plaque (CUTDOWN)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,714.00
Summary
Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and death. This project will investigate the links between obesity, heart attacks and abnormal heart function and the impact of weight loss on these detrimental effects in patients who have had a heart attack. This research aims to better understand mechanisms that may prevent future heart attacks and improve heart function.
Outcomes Of The Arterial Switch Operation: A Multi-centre Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,733.00
Summary
The arterial switch operation is the surgery of choice for children born with transposition of the great arteries, a congenital heart defect where the main two vessels of the heart arise from wrong pumping chambers of the heart. There are very few studies looking at adults after this operation. We aim to study all patients who have had an arterial switch. The results of this study will further increase our knowledge of the long term consequences of having the arterial switch operation.
Advanced Heart Failure Management With Ventricular Assist Therapy – Evaluating Australian Costs Of Care And Effectiveness From Implant To Transplant Or End Of Life
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$45,668.00
Summary
Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) are implantable heart pumps that are increasingly being used to slow down the progression of end stage heart failure. This project assesses the costs and effectiveness of VAD therapy and advanced heart failure medical management in an Australian health care setting. The aim is to provide Australian clinicians and health decision makers access to current and relevant, clinical, cost and effectiveness data for advanced heart failure and VAD therapy.
The Influence Of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation On Myocardial Structure And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$110,218.00
Summary
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation has given options to elderly patients who were previously faced with an open-heart operation. Our research utilises CT scans to determine the anatomical and physiological effects this new technology has on the heart. This research will help to guide the ongoing development and refinement of this technology. The research has the potential to revolutionise how aortic stenosis is assessed and timing of intervention is determined.