Research into a revolutionary new drug to treat Heart Failure has been given a boost thanks to Wessex Heartbeat.
The charity has fully funded a new study entitled 'Effect of Sacubitril/Valsartan (Entrestro) on Left Ventricular Reverse remodelling as demonstrated by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) imaging', led by Dr Andrew Flett, (pictured above) Cardio Consultant in Heart Failure at University Hospital Southampton and his Research fellow, Dr Alice Zheng.
The groundbreaking new research will see the team recruit eligible heart failure patients to start Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan), a breakthrough new drug which can reduce hospitalisation and death by 20%.
Elestro relaxes blood vessels, improves blood flow and reduces stress on the heart. The exact mechanism of how this medication achieves its powerful positive effect is not yet fully understood, therefore it is critical for us to gain a deeper insight into this.
The Heart Failure Team will use Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CMR), a specialist cardiac MRI to look at heart size, functions and characteristics of heart tissue, such as scar tissue.
Participants, will receive one CMR scan prior to and six months after Entrestro treatment. The scans will then be compared side by side to determine the differences in heart function and tissue characteristics.
Dr Flett said "This area is a specialist interest for myself and the research will generate important knowledge for the Heart Failure medical community and this has only been made possible thanks to the generous support of Wessex Heartbeat for which we are all extremely grateful."
7.6 million people across the UK are currently living with heart and circulatory diseases, with 450 deaths recorded every day.
John Munro, CEO of Wessex Heartbeat added "These are frightening statistics that make such breakthrough research into effective treatment extremely valuable. This study is a huge step forward in the future treatment of cardiac care and it is an honour for our charity to be able to give our support."