Breathing in Chronic Heart Failure: Is there novel pulmonary compensation? [ 2006 - 2008 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Andrew Bersten (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Carmine De Pasquale

Brief description Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a growing modern epidemic and therefore a costly health burden in Australia. Not only is it associated with a high mortality rate, symptoms of CHF are a major cause of patient suffering. Shortness of breath and exercise intolerance are both indicators of a link between CHF and lung function. There are a number of different ways in which CHF may be impacting on breathing and in this project we will be utilising an animal model to examine some of them. Firstly, the lung secretes a substance called surfactant which assists in normal breathing by decreasing surface tension in the lung. Previous studies in our laboratory have suggested an increase in surfactant production during CHF. In this project we will further examine this process to see if increased surfactant can aid breathing by decreasing surface tension during CHF. Secondly, we will examine the contribution made by the chest wall, increased heart size, lung volume and blood pressure during CHF on breathing. Thirdly, one of the problems thought to inhibit breathing in CHF patients is an increase in fluid in the lungs. The final stage of this project will examine the trasport of fluid into and out of the lung during CHF. This project will not only increase our understanding of the processes affecting breathing in response to CHF, but will also provide information for the development of potential therapeutic targets.

Funding Amount $AUD 312,021.73

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant