Atrial Fibrillation And Hypertension: Reverse Cardiac Remodelling Post Renal Denervation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$90,144.00
Summary
Patients with hypertension are at increased risk of heart rhythm disorders, yet little is known if treatment of high blood pressure will improve abnormal rhythm. Renal denervation is a new and effective treatment for severe hypertension; this study will assess the adverse changes in heart structure and function due to severe hypertension, and investigate whether renal denervation can ameliorate these changes on a structural and electrical level.
Genetic Predisposition To Abnormal Atrial Substrate In Atrial Fibrillation (GENE-AF Study)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$100,531.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder worldwide and its incidence is growing. Our world-first research aims to demonstrate that individuals who carry specific genetic variants are more likely to develop abnormal electrical and structural changes in the heart, which predispose to AF. In doing so, we intend to find the link between genetics and AF, paving the way for research into novel targeted therapies to better manage this complex and difficult to treat disease.
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.
The Effect Of Exercise Training On Cardiac Structure, Function And The Electrocardiogram In Indigenous And Non-Indigenous Elite Australian Athletes.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,351.00
Summary
The sudden death of an athlete is a tragic event with substantial emotional and social impact on the community.Evidence suggests that cardiac screening of competitive athletes can significantly reduce this risk (reduction of sudden cardiac death in Italy by 75%).It is imperative that we obtain data on both indigenous and non-indigenous athletes in the Australian setting to develop a normal range for our population if we are to develop an effective screening programme.
Exploring The Link Between Alcohol And Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence: A Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,714.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac rhythm disturbance & is associated with a doubling in mortality (due to heart failure & stroke) and significant morbidity. Recent studies indicate that alcohol intake (even at mild-moderate levels) is a risk factor for AF. This world-first multicentre randomised controlled trial of 200 patients with AF aims to determine whether abstinence from alcohol (or significantly reduced consumption) will reduce frequency and burden of AF episodes.
Surgical Management Of The Pulmonary Circulation In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$114,328.00
Summary
Congenital disorders of the lung circulation are rare. These children often present during infancy with symptoms of heart failure and require surgery to correct these defects. Without surgery, the prognosis of these conditions are poor. Our understanding of these conditions are limited. The proposed study aims to review all patients who underwent surgical repair of abnormalities of lung arteries and veins at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
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.
Improving The Long-term Outcomes Of The Australian And New Zealand Fontan Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$89,836.00
Summary
The Fontan procedure is the last of a series of operations offered to children born with hearts with a single pumping chamber. Without this procedure these children would die, however, with this procedure their long-term expectations are still uncertain. This study will investigate the long-term outcomes of the Australian and New Zealand Fontan population and how these outcomes can be improved.
Cardiac Dysfunction In Advanced Liver Disease And After Liver Transplantation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,224.00
Summary
Heart disease is the leading cause of early death after liver transplantation (LT). The scarcity of donor organs means that LT is a limited and valuable resource. We propose screening for heart disease before LT by CT scanning of heart arteries and heart function on stress testing to improve detection of coronary heart disease (CHD). Follow-up CT scans will also assess if LT causes progression of CHD. These studies will aid in development of personalised treatment strategies to improve outcomes.