Investigating novel echocardiographic assessments for RHF
For cardiologist Hideaki Nonaka, it was a unique opportunity to further his understanding of right heart failure (RHF) that saw him move from Japan to join CCRG.
Hideaki Nonaka
Cardiologist (Japan)
“I was working at one of the highest-volume cardiac centres in Tokyo, where I was engaged in echocardiographic assessment of valvular heart disease and severe heart failure,” says Hideaki.
Right heart failure (RHF) is common and due to its complex pathophysiology, is often associated with poor treatment outcomes. So, Hideaki set about investigating novel echocardiographic assessments for right heart function.
By investigating right heart function in a preclinical setting, we hope to discover a new way to detect early RHF, understand the best time for therapeutic intervention, and, eventually, contribute to improved outcomes,” he explains.
As RHF is a common condition that can occur in conjunction with various other diseases, including cardiac, lung and pulmonary thromboembolic diseases, this research has the potential to benefit many patients. The novel insights gained at CCRG are scheduled to be verified in clinical research.
“I am excited to use my experience as a cardiologist and further my knowledge of heart failure in a preclinical setting, and conduct echocardiography and catheterisation assessments to assist in experiments. We run many experiments in critical disease every month and detailed evaluation of the heart is essential in understanding our progress.
“The experience gained from being involved in translational research firsthand will no doubt have a tremendous impact on my research career. CCRG is a magnet for some of the best researchers from many different countries, the relationships formed here will be a precious resource for my future research and clinical endeavours.”
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