Cardiomyopathies, heart failure and secondary pulmonary hypertension

Problem 

Heart failure (HF) is the heart’s inability to pump enough blood and is caused by structural or functional disorders. It is often the final stage of genetic heart diseases (familial cardiomyopathies) or acquired heart diseases, such as congenital heart disease, ischemic heart disease or valvular heart disease. Its prevalence is high and the prognosis is poor, especially in advanced stages, when it is complicated by pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular dysfunction, for which there are no specific treatments. In acute cases, it can lead to cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest, emergency situations with few proven therapeutic options. 

Approach  

Our group investigates the mechanisms of cardiomyopathies, recovered cardiac arrest, acute and chronic heart failure and pulmonary hypertension from a translational perspective. We are a multidisciplinary team of nurses, cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons with expertise in animal models, cardiac imaging ‘omics’, molecular biology and innovative therapies. Our research ranges from basic research to multicentre clinical trials, integrating clinical practice with molecular study. National and international partnerships are key to achieving our goals. 

Impact 

Our group has made significant contributions to research on the mechanisms of pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular involvement, investigating therapeutic strategies that have progressed to patient evaluation in the form of clinical trials. We are national and international leaders in pulmonary hypertension, cardiomyopathies, advanced heart failure and cardiac arrest, collaborating in large research networks and clinical guidelines. Innovation defines us, with licensed patents and the development of new and minimally invasive devices and techniques. Our goal is to continue our research to improve the treatment and prognosis of patients and move into the preventive sphere.