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.
Cardiac Arrhythmias And Cardiac Contractility During Stress: Regulation By Brainstem Medullary Raph Neurons
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,250.00
Summary
Life is stressful, and in subjects with predisposed hearts stressful events may provoke sudden life-threatening or fatal disturbances of the heart rhythm (arrhythmias). Activity in nerves that control the heart is the main trigger of arrhythmias. This activity is initiated in the brain, when, for example, we have a sudden emotional shock. At present, the neurochemistry and connections of the brain neurons responsible for arrhythmias, have not been identified. Our project is designed to find answ ....Life is stressful, and in subjects with predisposed hearts stressful events may provoke sudden life-threatening or fatal disturbances of the heart rhythm (arrhythmias). Activity in nerves that control the heart is the main trigger of arrhythmias. This activity is initiated in the brain, when, for example, we have a sudden emotional shock. At present, the neurochemistry and connections of the brain neurons responsible for arrhythmias, have not been identified. Our project is designed to find answers to these questions. Our hypothesis is that the responsible neurons are located in the midline portion of the medulla oblongata (the lower part of the brain); that activation of these neurons will increase cardiac function in a manner that may provoke arrhythmias; and, conversely, that their inhibition will protect the heart during stressful events by suppressing potentially arrhythmogenic neural signals. We hypothesise that cardiac-controlling neurons possess receptors for serotonin (one of the brain neurotransmitters), and that the neurons can be inhibited by drugs that selectively activate a specific subtype of these receptors. Our results will increase our understanding of the causes of cardiac arrhythmias by elucidating the link between emotional-psychological events in the brain and stress-induced cardiac events. Our findings could contribute to the identification of new drugs that will protect the heart during stress.Read moreRead less
Neuro-Cardiac Genetic Basis Of Sudden Unexpected Death In Epilepsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$575,288.00
Summary
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the most common epilepsy-related cause of death and accounts for up to 18% of all deaths. SUDEP is characterised by a sudden and unexpected death, where the post-mortem is normal. The underlying cause of SUDEP remains unknown. This study seeks to investigate the genetic causes of SUDEP. Identification of the causes of SUDEP has important implications for our understanding of disease mechanisms, and in translating these discoveries into both diagnost ....Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the most common epilepsy-related cause of death and accounts for up to 18% of all deaths. SUDEP is characterised by a sudden and unexpected death, where the post-mortem is normal. The underlying cause of SUDEP remains unknown. This study seeks to investigate the genetic causes of SUDEP. Identification of the causes of SUDEP has important implications for our understanding of disease mechanisms, and in translating these discoveries into both diagnostic and prevention strategies in at-risk families.Read moreRead less
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a tragic consequence of a number of heart diseases. The death is often unexpected and has major implications for the family and community. This 3-year study seeks to evaluate clinical, genetic, and long-term outcomes in Australian families where SCD has occurred in a young relative (aged 1-35 years). This study will improve clinical and genetic evaluation of families, resulting in targeted management strategies, with the ultimate goal to prevent SCD.
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a devastating consequence of a number of heart diseases. Underlying causes include inherited heart muscle problems (cardiomyopathies), with no cause found in 40%. Our study will investigate the role of 'concealed cardiomyopathy' cases, i.e. those with a SCD event with no evidence of heart disease, but carry errors in heart genes. Our findings will translate rapidly into more targeted clinical and genetic evaluation of families with the ultimate goal to prevent SCD.
Longitudinal Mechanics Of The Peri-Infarct Zone And Ventricular Tachycardia Inducibility In Patients With Chronic Ischaemic Cardiomyopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$438,449.00
Summary
Ischaemic heart disease is a major cause of death in developed countries. Sudden cardiac death is precipitated by lethal irregularities in heart rhythm that originate around the scar tissue that forms within the heart after a heart attack. This study�s aim is to investigate the role of new ultrasound technologies in characterising the heart tissue where fatal cardiac arrhythmias arise. We hope that these novel imaging tools will help to identify individuals whose lives may be saved by appropriat ....Ischaemic heart disease is a major cause of death in developed countries. Sudden cardiac death is precipitated by lethal irregularities in heart rhythm that originate around the scar tissue that forms within the heart after a heart attack. This study�s aim is to investigate the role of new ultrasound technologies in characterising the heart tissue where fatal cardiac arrhythmias arise. We hope that these novel imaging tools will help to identify individuals whose lives may be saved by appropriate preventative measures.Read moreRead less
Application Of Genomic Technologies For The Diagnosis And Management Of Genetic Heart Diseases.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$438,768.00
Summary
The purpose of this research study is to investigate clinical and genetic factors which may predispose to important cardiac events such as dangerous arrhythmias, heart failure, heart transplantation or sudden cardiac death in patients with genetic heart diseases. It is possible that there are important risk factors or genetic findings which may be identified either through newer technologies which help cardiologists determine which patients and families are most at risk.
I am a molecular cardiologist whose primary focus is identifying the genetic basis of heart disease, specifically in the young. Understanding the genetic causes of heart disease will likely allow for earlier diagnosis of disease, and therefore greater op