Dr Levi Bassin aims to improve understanding of abnormal rhythms in heart attack, stroke and hypothermia.

Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes remain the ‘gold standard' for diagnosing heart attack. But when a patient has hypothermia or stroke, the ECG changes are not so well recognised.

Understanding ECGs

ECG changes during a stroke can mimic an impending heart attack and delay effective therapy, so that heart and brain damage may occur. This also has implications for protecting the heart in potential organ donors, for transplantation.

Hypothermia is used routinely during open-heart surgery to protect the brain and other vital organs. It is also a therapy for stroke and heart attack victims. This produces ECG changes reflecting altered electrical activity in the heart muscle, for reasons that aren't well understood.

The study

In collaboration with the University of Tasmania, Dr Bassin is comparing ECG changes during heart attack, stroke and hypothermia. Using highly sensitive instrumentation he creates 3-D, colour-coded, electrical ‘roadmaps' of the heart, which enable him to study what happens during abnormal rhythms.

Benefits

By enhancing knowledge of electrical changes in the heart, the research will aid the development of better treatment for these conditions. Early recognition will also improve effective management of heart and brain damage.