Centre for Heart Research
The Centre for Heart Research conducts research to find cures for common heart conditions and prevent people from dying of cardiac disease.
Despite major advances in the treatment of cardiac disease, heart problems are still the leading cause of mortality in Australia. Cardiac disease affects about 1.4 million people in this country, and about 350,000 people will have a heart attack at some point in their lives.
Our research aims to reduce this unacceptable burden by addressing two of the major problems encountered by cardiac patients: sudden death after electrical instability of the heart, and death and morbidity from heart failure after a heart attack.
The Centre conducts both basic and clinical research. It has two central research themes:-
Our researchers are primarily practising cardiologists at Westmead Hospital. Our firsthand experience of the limitations of existing treatments and technology drives us to develop innovative new therapies, and our discoveries have direct relevance to patients.
We aim to understand the molecular basis of cardiac rhythm and conduction, and to uncover new molecular targets and approaches for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.
Our research aims to develop new treatments for regenerating the injured heart. We are also interested in exploring cardiac disease and repair processes to create better therapies and improve patient outcomes after a cardiac event.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news from The Westmead Institute, including research findings, new discoveries and stories of hope.