Finding out why chimpanzees don’t get coronary artery disease despite having higher levels cholesterol compared to humans.
Testing a topical gel for peripheral arterial disease
Repurposing mirabegron in a novel topical formulation as a therapeutic for peripheral vascular disease
Revolutionising TAVI care: Detecting heart complications early
Study to test the effectiveness of a simple, wearable heart rhythm monitor for patients in that crucial first month after TAVI. This innovative approach offers a practical and cost-effective way to detect delayed heart block earlier, potentially preventing serious complications and improving patient outcomes.
Reducing heart attack risk during exposure to potential triggers
How about an online portal that helps assist you to recognise your personal heart attack triggers and helps you to take preventive steps during future high-risk periods?
Could a simple urine test detect preeclampsia early in pregnancy?
Preeclampsia is a dangerous pregnancy complication that affects millions of women worldwide. It causes high blood pressure and puts severe strain on the mother’s heart and organs, leading to life-threatening risks for both mother and baby.
Leveraging genetic data to identify medical therapies for aortic stenosis
Can drugs help prevent and treat Aortic Stenosis? Dr Jonathan Ciofani and his team are looking at Aortic Stenosis (AS), which is the abnormal narrowing of the aortic valve. AS impairs the flow of blood from the heart to the rest of the body and causes heart failure, loss of consciousness and death. Approximately 12%
New methods for screening and prevention of cardiovascular disease
How do genes, proteins and immune cells interact to either contribute to or protect against the development of CVD?
Cardiovascular outcomes of COVID-19
Dr Hari Sritharan has been researching the cardiovascular outcomes of COVID-19 and the impact of vaccination in Australia, using comprehensive data and advanced analytical techniques. His research aims to inform clinical practice, enhance patient outcomes, and guide policy-making beyond the pandemic.
New scan technology to identify early risk factors for a heart attack and cardiovascular disease
Lead Researcher: Dr Nicola Giannotti
Dr Giannotti’s research aims to use the Ultra-High Sensitivity Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan to improve the assessment and diagnosis of high-risk atherosclerotic plaque responsible for cardiovascular events. It will allow functional whole-body imaging while exposing the patient to significantly less radiation and a shorter scan time.
The influence of calcific aortic stenosis on atrioventricular conduction: a prospective observational study and Mendelian randomisation
This study explores the association between calcific aortic stenosis (AS) and compromised atrioventricular (AV) conduction. AS-induced calcium infiltration within the atrioventricular-His pathway is hypothesised to prolong AV conduction, potentially predisposing individuals to bradyarrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. Click Here to read Dr. Rao’s published article ‘The influence of calcific aortic stenosis on atrioventricular conduction: a
Novel methods to improve the minimally invasive treatment of aortic stenosis
Aortic stenosis is a condition where the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow from the heart to the body. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation, or TAVI, is a minimally invasive procedure that improves the blood flow in your heart by replacing the diseased valve with a new one using a catheter, offering a safer and quicker
Impact of Epicardial plaque composition and geometry on coronary hemodynamics and flow (iEquate)
Dr Ekmejian has been investigating the relationship between plaque morphology, plaque geometry, and invasive coronary hemodynamics. The study includes patients being investigated for coronary disease, who were identified to have moderate (50-75%) narrowing of the arteries. By assessing their hemodynamics using a coronary pressure wire and an OCT (imaging technique) assessment of the plaque, it
A novel treatment for pre-eclampsia
Professor Rasmussen and his team have been looking at repurposing Beta3 Adrenergic receptor agonists, a drug already FDA-approved for the treatment of overactive bladders, as a treatment that could offer improved care of ‘high-risk’ pregnancies with pre-eclampsia and/or IUGR. It’s hoped that this will enhance future maternal cardiovascular health.
Unveiling the Hidden Threat: Delayed High-Grade Atrioventricular Block After TAVI
Delayed high-grade atrioventricular block is a prevalent and potentially serious complication associated with TAVI
Discovery of new mechanisms for coronary disease
Professor Figtree and her team have developed a platform to discover and validate blood markers that will significantly improve heart attack risk prediction. This takes us closer to a simple blood test that could identify heart attack risk 10-15 years before someone experiences one.
Mending broken hearts using bio-printed ‘patches’
Heart patches made of personalised ‘bio-inks’ to help regenerate parts of the heart that have died following a severe heart attack.
Improving differentiation between Myocarditis and Myocardial Infarction to improve patient outcomes.
Dr Ashleigh Dind’s latest research is focused on better understanding the differences between myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and myocardial infarction (commonly known as a heart attack). For these conditions, it is essential correct diagnosis is made swiftly, as urgent intervention is required and treatment differs. Dr Ashleigh Dind is part of a research
Molecular structure of a heart attack
New research by Dr Carmine Gentile and his team has helped observe and understand how the molecules change following a heart attack. This world first research has helped identify which molecules change following a heart attack, giving them new approaches to investigate how to prevent and treat the irreversible damages caused by a heart attack which currently, is irreversible.
Heart attack awareness for over 35s vital
Heart attack awareness for over-35s vital to mitigating serious cardiac risk during exercise Professor Geoffrey Tofler and his team have just published a new study assessing the knowledge and confidence in recognising cardiac symptoms amongst players of competitive to social football games. This latest research found that almost half of over-35s were not confident in
Prevention of arterial hypertension and cardiovascular disease in premature infants later in life by examining early kidney development.
Dr Staub and Professor Kluckow are investigating hypertension and problems associated with blood vessels in babies currently being born pre-term, to try to understand what is causing these teens and young adults born prematurely to suffer these cardiac risk factors at such a younger age than those born at term.
A World-First Surgical Instrument for Minimally Invasive Robotically-Enabled Transplantation of Heart Patches for Myocardial Regeneration:
Dr Chris Roche, a cardiac surgical trainee funded by HROz since 2019, has brought surgical skills and insights to the research team supervised by Dr Carmine Gentile – a bioprinting expert working towards producing heart patches made of special ‘bio-ink’. Dr Roche has been working on a spin-off project to his PhD where he has designed and prototyped
The SWEDEHEART Project
The SWEDEHEART study found SMuRF-less patients have higher in-hospital mortality compared with traditional high-risk individuals. This is particularly evident in women.
Long Term Cardiac Implications in Pre-term Babies
A new study in the Department of Neonatology at Royal North Shore Hospital tracks the development of small blood vessels and blood pressure of premature babies. Over the next three years, approximately 80 preterm and term babies will be followed from birth at different weeks of gestation until age 1. New techniques of ultrasound imaging will be used to trace the blood vessels in the kidneys and aorta, as well as new measurements of blood pressure and kidney function. We hope insights from this study shed light onto the cardiovascular consequences of premature birth. Ultimately, increased knowledge of the contributing factors toward hypertension will help identify the highest risk groups and allow early intervention to prevent later heart disease.
Growing new arteries – an alternative for stent or bypass surgery.
Dr Allahwala found through pilot studies that some patients with a CTO can develop and mature new arteries, called collaterals. These collaterals supply the heart muscle with blood and oxygen, thereby preventing a heart attack. The reasons and mechanisms why some people can develop new arteries and others can’t is unclear. The effect collaterals have on blood pressure and flow within the coronary vessels is also unknown.
Cardiovascular risk reduction in bereavement
This world-first study has shown that using common medication in a novel way, can help lower the risk of dying from a ‘broken heart’ during bereavement.
Developing better treatments for heart attack patients using 3D bioprinting and stem cells.
In a world first, Dr Carmine Gentile’s team are studying how to 3D bioprint ‘mini hearts’ from patients-derived stem cells to study heart attacks in test tubes.
Heart Failure and Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging – pathophysiological mechanisms, improved diagnosis and new treatment.
Professor Ugander and his team are developing state-of-the-art cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging to better understand, diagnose and evaluate treatment in heart failure. The results of this research will lead to more accurate diagnostic methods, earlier detection, earlier treatment and decreased morbidity and mortality from heart failure.
Smoking Cessation Through Personal Identification
Professor Tofler has been working on a novel approach to smoking cessation, supported by a grant from Heart Research Australia and SPARK innovation award. This work uses video to create a simulated teachable moment and builds on the clinical observation that many smokers can stop smoking once they have experienced a heart attack. The goal
Lab Manager
Dr Hamilton is directly responsible for performing many of the experiments that are conducted within Prof Rasmussen’s laboratory as well as providing a supervisory role to both students and research assistants within the lab. Her role as Laboratory Manager requires that she balances the scientific needs of the staff within the Rasmussen laboratory, with the
Oxidative Signaling
Professor Figtree’s Laboratory strives to understand the way reactive oxygen species affect disease in the heart and blood vessels. Professor Figtree and her team have identified a novel protein that plays a pivotal role in protecting the cardiovascular system from these oxidative stresses and loss of this protein exacerbates disease progression. They are now dissecting
FXYD – An Endogenous Protector of the Vasculature
Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia. Dr Hanson is a medical doctor embarking on a PhD in basic and translational cardiovascular research. With an overall aim of improving the identification and treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease, his PhD project encompasses two interrelated themes. Circulating biomarkers of oxidative stress
A novel mechanism of caveolar protein regulation with therapeutic implications for pulmonary hypertension
Dr Bubb is currently investigating unknown causes and potential treatment options for pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries in the lungs). This disease has a 100% mortality rate, with up to 50% of patients dying within 5 years of diagnosis. It is a rare disease, but nevertheless is devastating for those who
Can we use MRI to identify arteries at most risk from plaque formation?
Lead Researcher: Dr Paul Bonnitcha Hardening of the arteries and the formation of fatty plaques lining them are major contributors to strokes, heart attacks and peripheral vascular disease. Currently there is no way of knowing which plaques are most likely to rupture and cause problems. Recent findings indicate that plaque instability may be related to
APTS (Australian Placental Transfusion Study)
Lead Researcher: Prof Martin Kluckow The first results of this trial were published in the New England Journal of Medicine showing that delayed cord clamping can reduce mortality in preterm infants and is safe to apply. The follow up of the trial is ongoing and Professor Kluckow and his team will continue to track these
The u-PDA Trial (Ultimate PDA Trial)
Lead Researcher: Prof Martin Kluckow This is a pilot randomized control trial (RCT) of active medical treatment vs supportive care alone of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in babies born before 28 weeks of pregnancy. This placebo controlled clinical trial was the first time targeted early treatment of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was utilised
Is pre-eclampsia in pregnancy related to pregnancy induced heart failure?
Lead Researcher: Dr Anthony Ashton Most pregnancies end with the birth of a healthy baby to a healthy mother; however, some pregnancies end in unforeseen and currently untreatable complications. Unfortunately, the signs that something is wrong in these pregnancies appear to be “normal” for most women at the end of pregnancy. Headaches, swelling and difficulty
A novel combination for heart failure
Lead Researchers: Prof Helge Rasmussen, Dr Chia-Chi Liu, Dr Elisha Hamilton Heart failure is the leading cause of disability and death in the world. While many drugs are used in treatment, this innovative research has discovered that a new group of drugs, β3-AR agonists (one of which is already used as a treatment for an
The Triggered Acute Risk Prevention Study
Lead Researchers: Prof Geoff Tofler and A/Prof Thomas Buckley Increasing evidence shows that heart attacks in some instances can be triggered by external factors such as heavy physical exertion, acute emotional stress, heavy fatty meals, and respiratory infection. For instance, the group published findings that respiratory infection acutely increases the relative risk of heart attack