Research Areas
Our research focuses on innovative approaches to understanding, diagnosing and treating the complex physiological, psychological and metabolic factors affecting heart failure (HF) patients.
- Treatment of hemodynamic abnormalities is critically important for the functional capacity and survival of heart failure patients. Our group has conducted several studies demonstrating the role of noninvasive diagnostic tools for assessing hemodynamics and has participated in both medical and device-based studies of hemodynamically guided treatments for advanced heart failure patients.
- Depression is highly prevalent in heart failure patients and is associated with poor outcomes, including reduced quality of life and increased mortality. Detecting and treating depression effectively has great potential to prevent negative outcomes, enhance recovery and promote overall health. Our group has been active in research comparing the effectiveness of behavioral therapy versus antidepressant medication management in heart failure patients and are expanding this research to include anxiety and insomnia in all broader fields of cardiology.
- Our group has studied the effects of endocrine and metabolic abnormalities, particularly abnormal thyroid hormone function and obesity, on cardiac function. We have also investigated the use of thyroid hormone as an intervention to improve cardiac function in these patients. Additionally, we have examined the role of the obesity treatment in heart failure, including leading a study on the safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery in this high-risk population.
- Impaired functional capacity is commonly a major factor in the quality of life in patients with HF and is often the principal reason for seeking medical care. This limitation in exercise capacity is thought to be related to both cardiac and peripheral (neurologic and muscular) factors. Our group has participated in both basic and clinical studies to better understand the mechanisms involved in this exercise capability limitation in heart failure patients.