(a) Pathogenesis of aortic stenosis : relationship to valvular endothelial function.

Funded Activity 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, 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.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2002

End Date: 01-01-2004

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $254,995.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Nutrigenomics and personalised nutrition

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

Aortic Stenosis | Aortic Valve Stenosis | Cardiac Death | Endothelial Function | Heart Failure | Platelet Aggregation

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