Towards a better understanding of cardio and cerebrovascular diseases

1) Brief description of the context of the research including potential impact

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases represent significant global health challenges, particularly in ageing populations. These conditions, which include heart diseases and brain-related ailments like stroke and dementia, necessitate improved diagnostic and treatment strategies.

This research project seeks to address these limitations by harnessing advanced medical imaging techniques and predictive modelling. A key focus is the utilization of echocardiography and MRI to identify novel diagnostic markers for cardiovascular disease, aiming to enhance diagnostic accuracy and personalize treatment approaches.

Furthermore, the project involves developing predictive models that integrate brain MRI data with clinical information, aiming to predict the progression of cerebrovascular diseases. This initiative is crucial for early identification of high-risk individuals and the optimization of intervention strategies. Additionally, the project explores the relationship between cerebrovascular lesions and cognitive decline, with the potential to inform new therapeutic approaches for those most at risk, including older adults and individuals with cerebrovascular condition.

2) Aims and Objectives

Identification of Innovative Diagnostic Markers through Advanced Medical Imaging:

- Aim: To discover novel diagnostic features in medical imaging modalities such as echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Objective: Leverage these imaging techniques to uncover new markers that can accurately predict major clinical outcomes, including heart attacks, hospital admissions, and mortality.

Utilisation of Cutting-edge Remote Monitoring for Cardiovascular Trend Analysis:

- Aim: To employ state-of-the-art remote monitoring technologies, including wearable devices and mobile health (mHealth) applications.
- Objective: Systematically gather and analyse data from these devices to detect and understand trends that significantly influence long-term cardiovascular health.

Development of Predictive Models for Cerebrovascular Disease Progression:

- Aim: To create advanced predictive models for the progression of cerebrovascular diseases.
- Objective: Combine and analyse data from brain MRI scans and comprehensive clinical patient data to formulate models capable of predicting the evolution of cerebrovascular conditions.

Enhanced Understanding of the Relationship between Cerebrovascular Lesions and Cognitive Health:

- Aim: To deepen the understanding of how cerebrovascular lesions, as revealed in brain imaging, are connected to cognitive function and decline.
- Objective: Conduct in-depth studies to elucidate the mechanisms by which cerebrovascular abnormalities impact cognitive abilities, including memory, executive function, and processing speed.

3) Novelty of Research Methodology

The project leverages the latest in echocardiography and MRI to uncover new markers for predicting critical health outcomes, while also employing wearable devices for continuous health monitoring. Additionally, the method integrates brain imaging with clinical data to develop new models for understanding cerebrovascular disease progression.

4) Alignment to EPSRC's strategies and research areas

This research project aligns well with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council's (EPSRC) strategies, particularly in healthcare technologies, data science, and AI. It embodies EPSRC's focus on innovative, interdisciplinary approaches, leveraging advanced medical imaging and wearable technology for improved healthcare. The use of AI for data analysis and predictive modelling also aligns with EPSRC's emphasis on data-driven innovation.

5) Any companies or collaborators involved.

Currently, there are no external companies or collaborators participating in the research.