Clinical Cardiovascular Research
The group is investigating molecular signalling pathways in heart failure development. In addition, sensitive methods for early detection of heart failure by cardiac MRI and electrophysiologic markers are developed in order to understand the pathophysiologic development and to gain the ability of testing new approaches in small patient numbers. With regard to signalling pathways, achievements were made with regard to the molecular control of cardiomyocyte apoptosis. In addition, contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI of patients with myocarditis, ischemic heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy have revealed novel insight into heart failure development and distribution of injury sites. Genetic analysis of heart failure patients revealed new insights into the mechanisms of disease progression.