Hypertension Research Project
Team
- Dr. Haroon Abbasi (PhD student)
- Elena Libhaber
- Prof. Karen Sliwa
- Dr. Theema Nunkoo
- Sisters: Nomsa Molefe, Margaret Hlatshwayo
Background
Dr. Harroon Abbasi and Elena Libhaber have been investigating the impact on left ventricular hypertrophy on plasma markers of apoptosis and remodelling in black hypertensive patients.
Elevated plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality, independent of age, functional class and left ventricular function.
In a present study of 220 patients, Dr Abbasi is evaluating plasma levels of NT-proBNP in patients with moderate to severe hypertension, normal systolic function and left ventricular hypertrophy on echocardiography.
Libhaber is currently researching the genetic aspects of cardiovascular diseases in black South African families from Soweto. Libhaber is also the research co-ordinator of all hypertension research at the Department of Cardiology at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
Funding
- Circulatory Disorder Research Fund, Faculty Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand
Poster
Hypertension Published Research
Stewart S, Libhaber E, Carrington M, Damasceno A, Abbasi H, Wilkinson D, Hansen C, Sliwa K. The clinical consequences and challenges in urban hypertension in Africa: Insights from Heart of Soweto Study. Int J Cardiol 2009;in press
