Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York
Heart Disease Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine
— -- At Albert Einstein College of Medicine, we're very excited about our new Montefiore-Einstein Center for Sudden Cardiac Death, which provides a unified venue for the diagnosis and treatment of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Sudden Unexpected Death Syndrome (SUDS), and other types of sudden cardiac death. This unique center brings together clinicians and basic scientists at Einstein and our University Hospital, Montefiore Medical Center, as well as teaming up pediatric and adult physicians, to offer a novel and extremely valuable service to families who are very much in need, often following the loss of a loved one.
Because of the strong genetic components connected to sudden death, the clinic will emphasize genetic testing and counseling, in addition to diagnostic testing and the latest therapies. Families will be referred to the Center by their physicians or by word of mouth. All families will be examined by a clinical geneticist and by either a pediatric or adult cardiologist. Any individuals identified as "at-risk" will receive further testing to identify any potentially lethal arrhythmia (abnormal heart function).
In instances when DNA testing identifies a genetic marker for sudden death, blood tests will be done to determine whether there is a mutation in one of the genes known to be associated with sudden death. Family members will also be seen by a social worker who will make referrals, as needed, to mental health services in families' home communities. At the end of the clinic visits, families will meet with all members of the clinical team to discuss appropriate follow-up plans.
On the research end, basic scientists at Einstein will work closely together to understand the molecular causes that underlie the lethal arrhythmias responsible for sudden death. Led by Thomas McDonald, M.D., the Einstein team will include Bernice Morrow, Ph.D., director of Einstein's Translational Genetics program, and John Greally, Ph.D., director of Einstein's Center for Epigenomics, both of whom are involved in identifying the molecular basis of these syndromes.
In other cardiovascular studies, Nicholas Sibinga, M.D. is conducting research into the causes of coronary obstruction. Acute vascular obstruction is the leading cause of heart attack, while more chronic obstruction leads to both angina (stable chest pain syndromes) and limited exercise capacity. Through his studies, Dr. Sibinga explores novel molecular pathways that regulate the growth, migration, and survival of vascular smooth muscles cells, processes which are involved in vascular damage. By understanding these pathways and how they function (or malfunction), Dr. Sibinga and colleagues seek to develop new approaches to the prevention and treatment of vascular obstructive disease.
Investigators in Einstein's Diabetes Research Center are also exploring aspects of diabetes as it relates to coronary artery disease. Diabetes leads to many health complications, including cardiovascular disease -- a leading cause of death among individuals with diabetes. Michael Brownlee, M.D., a world-renowned diabetologist who is among the foremost authorities on the complications of diabetes, is director of Einstein's JDRF International Center for Diabetic Complications Research. Among the objectives of Dr. Brownlee's research are to determine the primary mechanisms by which hyperglycemia causes both the microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes -- which contribute to nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy and atherosclerosis -- and to develop effective therapies for preventing the development and progression of diabetic complications.
Einstein researchers also are exploring coronary artery disease from a public health standpoint. We are the only site in New York City for the landmark NIH-supported Women's Health Initiative (WHI), which reported the increased risk of heart attack in post-menopausal women who are taking hormone replacement therapy. This unexpected finding has led to a re-evaluation of treatment approaches for women who are peri-menopausal and menopausal as well.
Sylvia Smoller, Ph.D., the principal investigator of the WHI, is now leading Einstein researchers in the Hispanic Community Health Study, another NIH landmark study, which will examine the cardiovascular health, diet, exercise habits and other health behaviors of participants, with an overall focus on identifying both the prevalence and risk factors for a variety of diseases and disorders among the Hispanic/Latino population, with an ultimate goal of improving health.
Related Stories
ABC News Live