Integration of MRI and genetic data to predict risk of AF and stroke

This project seeks to improve medical doctors’ ability to identify individuals at risk of stroke due to the cardiac heart rhythm abnormality called atrial fibrillation (AF). During AF blood clots are formed in the upper chambers of the heart, the atria, and these clots can be sent to the brain giving rise to a stroke attack.

We will focus on shapes and function of the atria that are prone for arrhythmia and blood clot formation, using state-of the-art cardiac imaging and genetic data. Findings can be mapped to the genome and a genetic profile can inform medical doctors on a patient inherited predisposition for blood clot formation in the heart.

Stroke is a serious condition where the brain is damaged due to a block in one of its arterial blood vessels. Treatment strategies for prevention can be effective but identifying patients at risk is difficult. Enhanced stratification of individuals at risk could reduce individual harm and health care costs.

Mentors:

Basic mentor: Professor MSO Morten Salling Olesen, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen

Clinical mentor: Professor Jesper Hastrup Svendsen, Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet