Advancing Cardiovascular Imaging and Early Detection of Myocardial Dysfunction in High-Risk Populations
Description: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality among women, with increasing prevalence in younger populations. Women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia (PEC), are at significantly higher risk for CVD later in life. Despite this, early detection of myocardial dysfunction in this population remains a challenge. This project seeks to enhance non-invasive cardiovascular imaging by integrating left ventricular (LV) strain measures with isometric handgrip stress testing to unmask stress-induced myocardial dysfunction. The proposed collaboration between [U.S.-Based Institution] and Dr. Sebastian Ulrich Kelle from Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité (DHZC) in Berlin will focus on refining advanced imaging methodologies to improve early detection of subclinical myocardial dysfunction. The project will leverage MRI-based coronary endothelial function (CEF) assessments combined with stress-induced LV strain analysis to identify early indicators of cardiovascular risk. Dr. Kelle will also share insights from his WE-CARE-HF study, a large-scale telemedicine-based heart failure (HF) screening initiative in Germany, to explore mobile diagnostic approaches. During his visit, Dr. Kelle will conduct lectures, hands-on training workshops, and expert panel discussions on advanced cardiovascular imaging techniques, mobile HF screening, and international collaborative research methods. The research plan includes pilot studies validating LV strain abnormalities as early markers of myocardial dysfunction, integrating WE-CARE-HF screening methods into current U.S. protocols, and generating preliminary data for joint NIH and AHA grant applications. Expected outcomes include the development of standardized imaging techniques for early CVD detection, submission of high-impact publications, and the establishment of long-term research collaborations between the U.S. and Germany. This partnership will significantly advance cardiovascular imaging science, promote interdisciplinary knowledge exchange, and enhance preventive strategies for high-risk populations, particularly women with a history of PEC.
Funder: American Heart Association
Amount: $9,900
Funding type: research
Funder scheme: International Visiting Professorship Award
Start date: 2025-04-01
End date: 2026-03-31
Investigators: Allison Hays, Allison Hays, Sebastian Kelle
Institutions: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Funded outputs count: 1
Funder award ID: 25IVPHA1477520
OpenAlex ID: G2020380704