Microvascular Function And Outcome In Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$79,514.00
Summary
Damage to the small vessels of the heart is a hallmark of heart attacks. Furthermore, small vessel dysfunction (MVD) is associated with a worse prognosis even in the presence of an unblocked major coronary artery following a heart attack. Using novel invasive assessments, we aim to analyse the prevalence and clinical predictors of MVD, assess the impact of MVD on short and long-term outcome after heart attack and address the impact of new treatments on MVD and heart muscle recovery.
Use Of Novel Imaging Techniques For The Diagnosis Of Coronary Artery Disease And Myocardial Ischaemia: Implications For The Assessment Of Patients With Chest Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$113,322.00
Summary
Coronary artery disease (narrowing of heart arteries) is the leading cause of death in Australia, and a serious cause of chest pain. This project is designed to determine the accuracy, safety and long-term outcomes of patients with chest pain investigated with the novel technique of computed tomography (CT) of the heart muscle and arteries, including an investigational technique of CT stress testing by injection of a pharmacological agent, which may be more accurate and safe than current tests.
Validation Of Point Of CarE CT DeRived FracTionAl Flow Reserve In Stable Coronary Artery Disease (VERITAS)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$78,554.00
Summary
In stable coronary artery disease outcomes are dependent on the presence and burden of ischaemia. Current methods of assessing ischaemia are either invasive with associated risks or non-invasive but limited in their diagnostic accuracy. Our research plans to assess the real world feasibility of a novel, non-invasive, point of care CT-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve technique and its potential for guiding clinical decision making and influencing downstream testing.
Lung Cancer Screening With Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT); Exploring Opportunities To Optimise Disease Prevention Across A Range Of Health Outcomes In Australia.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
Lung cancer is the largest cause of cancer related death in the world. Low dose computed tomography (LDCT) is a scan that reduces deaths from lung cancer by detecting early disease. Australia is investigating a national screening program with LDCT. This project evaluates opportunity provided by such a program to develop a personalised approach to screening using information provided by LDCT beyond cancer (e.g. heart and bone disease) and modify risk factors (e.g. physical activity and smoking).
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.
An Investigation Into ACE2 As A Molecular And Genetic Link To Human Coronary Artery Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$90,183.00
Summary
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death but remains underdiagnosed so better tests are needed. We plan to perform a simple, new blood test in those with and without CAD. Our theory is that blood levels will be significantly increased only in those with CAD. If our theory is confirmed, this test may then be used to better predict those with CAD even before they develop symptoms. It will allow provision of early prevention strategies which will likely reduce complications of CAD.
The aim of this project is to investigate the burden which is caused by diabetes in people with coronary heart disease, and to determine whether the risk associated with diabetes has increased in recent years. This project will measure the magnitude of this problem, to assist with decision-making about allocation of health resources. The findings will also allow doctors to identify the risk of future acute cardiovascular events such as a heart attack which are associated with having diabetes.
Early Detection Of Coronary Artery Disease: An Opportunity To Start Secondary Prevention Without A Coronary Event
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of death and disability in Australia, and prevention is key. Our current techniques for predicting who is at high risk of CAD are imperfect or expensive. We aim to study how using the combination of a genetic and metabolic risk score can be used to cost-effectively predict this risk more accurately. By doing so, we aim to develop a new combined test to identify Australians at high risk of CAD so that prevention can be started early.
Do Retinal Microvascular Signs Predict Ischaemic Heart Disease Subtype? The Australian Heart Eye Study (AHES)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$65,532.00
Summary
Narrowing of the large vessels of the heart and abnormal function of the small vessels are both causes of coronary heart disease and chest pain.There are few non-invasive investigations to help differentiate between large and small vessel disease and assess one’s risk of developing disease in the future.The study uses retinal photography and coronary angiography to assess whether changes in the structure of the blood vessels of the eye may be used to identify the type of coronary heart disease a ....Narrowing of the large vessels of the heart and abnormal function of the small vessels are both causes of coronary heart disease and chest pain.There are few non-invasive investigations to help differentiate between large and small vessel disease and assess one’s risk of developing disease in the future.The study uses retinal photography and coronary angiography to assess whether changes in the structure of the blood vessels of the eye may be used to identify the type of coronary heart disease as well as the risk of future cardiac events.Read moreRead less
Remote Ischaemic Preconditioning And Its Effect On Coronary Physiology And Platelet And Leukocyte Activation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,608.00
Summary
Remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) is a novel treatment which can improve patient outcomes after a heart attack, undergoing coronary stenting or bypass surgery. The mechanisms by which RIPC confers this cardio-protection is not clear. We will study the effects of RIPC on platelet activity and the flow of blood in the arteries that supply the heart. Understanding RIPC may open new avenues for treatment of patients with coronary artery disease, one of the major causes of death in Australia.