Researchers at UMC Utrecht have received funding for three of the Dutch Heart Foundation’s seven new research programmes. The studies focus on DNA research into inherited heart disease, digital tools for home monitoring in heart failure, and improved recognition and treatment of right ventricular heart failure. The goal: less disease, less pressure on healthcare, and a better quality of life for patients.
The studies focus on preventing, detecting earlier and better treating cardiovascular disease, and will run for a maximum of five years. With an investment of 10.5 million euros, the Dutch Heart Foundation is giving a strong boost to the national cardiovascular agenda (in Dutch). This agenda aims to significantly reduce the number of cardiovascular diseases. This is urgently needed: in the Netherlands, cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death and accounts for the highest number of hospital admissions. In the Netherlands, 1.7 million people live with cardiovascular disease.
Peter van Tintelen
Inherited heart diseases are common and are often discovered too late. In this study, scientists are investigating in which people without cardiac symptoms it is useful to perform a DNA test to detect an inherited predisposition to heart disease. This can prevent or delay serious heart problems. Approximately one in 100 to 200 people has an inherited predisposition to heart disease. These people can develop serious heart problems at a young age, such as cardiac arrest or heart failure.
Research leaders: Prof. Dr Peter van Tintelen (UMC Utrecht) and Prof. Mr Dr Corrette Ploem (Amsterdam UMC).
Mathias Meine
Many people with heart failure have an ICD. This device can stop dangerous cardiac arrhythmias and also collects a great deal of data about the heart. This data is sent to the hospital. Healthcare professionals currently make limited use of this data, even though it can provide valuable insights into how a patient is doing. Researchers will develop digital tools to improve home monitoring for these patients. In the Netherlands, more than 246,000 people live with heart failure. This condition is becoming increasingly common and causes many symptoms, hospital admissions and healthcare costs.
Research leaders: Prof. Dr Mathias Meine (UMC Utrecht) and Dr Anastasia Egorova (LUMC).
Linda van Laake
Right ventricular heart failure is a serious and often overlooked condition that is frequently detected too late. There is not yet any treatment that truly improves right ventricular function. In the ARROW study, researchers are joining forces: a team of cardiologists, molecular biologists and data scientists aims to predict right ventricular heart failure earlier and develop new treatments, so that patients receive the right care sooner.
Research leaders: Prof. Dr Linda van Laake (UMC Utrecht) and Prof. Dr Frances de Man (Amsterdam UMC).
