Platelet And Endothelial Function In Atrial Fibrillation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$105,825.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disturbance in the adult population and leads to substantial increased death and disability from stroke. In this research scheme, we will study the contribution of platelet (clot forming cells) and endothelial (lining of blood vessels) dysfunction in atrial fibrillation. The successful outcome of this project will lead to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of clot formation and may lead to a better target for future drugs.
Influence Of Flavonoid Structure And Function On Cardiovascular Protection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$571,447.00
Summary
The proposed research will further explore the hypothesis that dietary flavonoids can protect against cardiovascular disease. The importance of flavonoid structure for bioactivity needs further study. In addition, metabolic changes to flavonoid structure could have a profound effect on their bioactivity. Therefore, our overall aim is to investigate the effects of individual flavonoids and their metabolites on bioactivity relevant to cardiovascular disease.
Iron And Oxidative Stress In Stable And Unstable Coronary Artery Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,570.00
Summary
This PhD investigates the key roles iron and insufficient antioxidants play in worsening tissue injury during and following a heart attack, in precipitating blockages in heart arteries, and in impairing blood vessel function in those with heart disease. By using drugs to remove iron from the body, it is possible to compare the detrimental effects of iron (on tissue injury and blood vessel function) in the group treated with the medication and the group treated with placebo.
In Vivo Evaluation Of Coronary Atheroma Burden And Its Association With Focal Coronary Endothelial Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$123,736.00
Summary
Heart attacks remain the leading cause of death in the western world. It has been recently identified that the burden of plaque buildup in the coronary arteries is a major predictor of future heart attacks. Furthermore, it also known that impaired relaxation within the coronary arteries also increases the future risk of heart attacks. The dynamic relationship between these two critical factors remains unknown and an understanding of this is important for predicting future heart attacks.
Clinical Utility Of New Non-invasive Assessments Of Left Ventricular Function.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$48,361.00
Summary
This project involves a series of studies that investigate the use of new ultrasound measurements of heart function in order to assess whether or nor they make a meaningful contribution to patient management, both in terms of diagnosis and monitoring of treatments. Major studies include: 1) Detection and prevention of early heart disease in patients who are undergoing toxic chemotherapy for cancer; and 2) Investigation and treatment of patients with a high blood pressure response to exercise.
Assessment Of The Mechanisms Involved And Severity Of Arterial Disease In Insulin Resistant States
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$64,631.00
Summary
Type 2 Diabetes is a major risk factor towards atherosclerosis or blood vessel narrowing. This can lead to vascular complications such as heart attacks, strokes and amputations. This research aim to examine the relationship between some of the mechanisms and their contribution towards vascular disease in the progression from normal health, through insulin resistance to diabetes. This understanding will provide diagnostic tools and treatment targets for diabetic vascular disease.
(a) Pathogenesis Of Aortic Stenosis : Relationship To Valvular Endothelial Function.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$254,995.00
Summary
In the 21st century, heart disease will continue to be a major cause of disability and death in Western society. However, the relative decline in the frequency of premature death due to coronary disease (such as heart attacks) combined with increases in longevity, will see the emergence of new disease states. Aortic stenosis (AS) is likely to be one of the most important of these: progressive aortic valvular narrowing, culminating in the development of heart failure, and cardiac death. To date, ....In the 21st century, heart disease will continue to be a major cause of disability and death in Western society. However, the relative decline in the frequency of premature death due to coronary disease (such as heart attacks) combined with increases in longevity, will see the emergence of new disease states. Aortic stenosis (AS) is likely to be one of the most important of these: progressive aortic valvular narrowing, culminating in the development of heart failure, and cardiac death. To date, the only established treatment for severe AS is valve replacement. The incidence of AS increases with age: approximately 40% of individuals over the age of 80 have some AS, while 4% have severe AS. Studies to date have revealed that AS is more likely to occur (and to progress rapidly) in patients with impaired kidney function, and that some coronary risk factors (high cholesterol levels and diabetes, for example) also predispose to AS. The planned research will examine the potential role of the (endothelial) cells lining the aortic valve in protecting against the development of AS. In particular, we will try to identify which chemicals interfere with endothelial function, and how this leads to thickening of the valve. The ulitmate objective of this research is to delineate the chemical factors causing AS, in order to help in the development of preventative strategies for this disease.Read moreRead less
Vascular Effects Of Exercise Training And Lipid-lowering Therapy At Rest And During Exercise In Hypercholesterolaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$241,650.00
Summary
The health of the cells which line blood vessels, endothelial cells, is now known to be important in maintaining normal function of the circulation. In patients with elevated blood cholesterol concentration, the function of these cells is abnormal and this is considered to contribute importantly to the blood vessel dysfunction and cardiovascular disease seen in this condition. We have recently demonstrated that drug therapy aimed at decreasing cholesterol concentration in the blood can significa ....The health of the cells which line blood vessels, endothelial cells, is now known to be important in maintaining normal function of the circulation. In patients with elevated blood cholesterol concentration, the function of these cells is abnormal and this is considered to contribute importantly to the blood vessel dysfunction and cardiovascular disease seen in this condition. We have recently demonstrated that drug therapy aimed at decreasing cholesterol concentration in the blood can significantly improve blood vessel function. In other studies we have demonstrated that exercise training improves blood vessel function. The purpose of this research is to determine whether high blood cholesterol impairs exercise capacity by limiting blood flow to exercising muscle. It is also our goal to determine whether exercise training can produce benefit additional to that resulting from lowering cholesterol in those with initially high cholesterol. Blood vessel function will be studied at rest, in response to pharmacological stimulation and during exercise. Vascular function in the forearm will be assessed using synchronised ultrasound (high frequency sound, sonar) and Doppler measures which assess the size of, and flow in, the large artery near the elbow crease. During measurements, procedures are undertaken to alter flow in the arm blood vessels, some depending upon functional ability of the endothelial cells and some independent of those cells. In addition to assessment of blood vessel function, measurements of exercise tolerance will be taken before and after each intervention. By examining the effects of lipid-lowering and exercise training on rest and exercise blood flow responses, this research will help determine the best approach to improving blood vessel function and cardiovascular fitness in patients with high cholesterol.Read moreRead less