Mapping The 3-dimensional Structure Of The Human Atria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$61,192.00
Summary
Our project aims to shed the light on the mechanism of atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is the most common sustained heart rhythm abnormality and contributes to a significant socioeconomical burden on the healthcare system. We plan to use mapping catheters to record and analyse electrical signals from the small chambers of the heart in patients with atrial fibrillation. The results will contribute to improvements in our current approach in AF ablation to cure this disabling arrhythmia.
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.
Weight And Risk Factor Management And Assessment Of Socioeconomic Status To Assess Impact On AF Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,117.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. This disease can begin with short episodes but over time become more long-standing. Risk factors such as obesity have been linked to the burden and progression of the disease. Dedicated clinics focusing on education and management of these risk factors have been shown to reduce patients symptoms and burden of AF. We aim to evaluate these clinics results in halting the progression of AF.
Analysis Of Atrial Electrical Remodelling In Patients With Paroxysmal And Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$127,516.00
Summary
I am a cardiologist undertaking further training in the management of electrical abnormalities of the heart. My research will focus on the mechanisms responsible for atrial fibrillation, the most common serious heart rhythm disorder. I intend to do this by examining the nature of the electrical activity in patients with atrial fibrillation and comparing this to electrical activity in patients without this disorder, who are undergoing treatment procedures for their electrical disorder.
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.
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.
Impact Of Renal Transplantation On Cardiac Arrhythmia Burden And Type And Risk Of Sudden Cardiac Death In Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,608.00
Summary
Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease are at high risk of sudden death. We aim to characterise the impact of renal transplantation on arrhythmia profile. This has the capacity to impact our understanding of arrhythmia type and mechanism in renal failure.
Understanding Changes In Retinal Ganglion Cells Using A Glaucoma Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,193.00
Summary
Glaucoma is a pressure related eye disease that is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. The mechanisms by which glaucoma causes vision loss are poorly understood. At the Centre for Eye Research Australia, we aim to investigate changes within retinal ganglion cells – the neurons which carry light signal from the eye to the brain – using a glaucoma model. We hope to improve understanding of the disease process and highlight new therapeutic options for glaucoma.
Catheter Ablation For AF In Heart Failure: Can MRI Predict Benefit?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$143,676.00
Summary
This proposal aims to evaluate the role of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure. We hyopthesise that cardiac MRI will be a useful stratification tool in identifying which patients are likely to benefit from catheter ablation, namely by the absence of significant fibrosis. We propose a randomised cardiac MRI guided multi-centre trial to ascertain the benefit of catheter ablation as an effective treatment of heart failure in such patients.