Cardiac remodelling and risk prediction
Cardiovascular disease often develops over many years without obvious symptoms. In this project, we study approximately 5000 participants from the Link枚ping cohort of SCAPIS, where advanced cardiac imaging and comprehensive health data are available. Using modern echocardiographic techniques, we assess cardiac function and investigate whether subtle abnormalities in myocardial motion can identify individuals at increased risk of future cardiovascular disease.
These findings are related to longitudinal changes in cardiac structure and function, as well as to the risk of cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and heart failure. The project also examines the role of abdominal obesity and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, detected by computed tomography, in the development of cardiac remodelling and impaired cardiac function. The overall aim is to improve early risk stratification and facilitate more effective preventive interventions.
Population-based studies on valvular heart disease
Valvular heart disease often develops gradually over many years without causing symptoms and is therefore frequently diagnosed only at an advanced stage. By then, prolonged haemodynamic stress may already have resulted in structural and functional changes of the myocardium, potentially leading to an adverse prognosis even after treatment. The development of less invasive transcatheter valve interventions has increased interest in identifying disease at an earlier stage and understanding the factors that drive its progression.
In this project, we use data from the SCAPIS echocardiography study to investigate the prevalence, progression, and prognostic significance of valvular heart disease in the general population. We also examine risk factors associated with disease development and progression. The project aims to improve early risk stratification and is led jointly by myself and Associate Professor Bahira Shahim at Karolinska Institutet.
Aortic disease
Dilatation of the ascending aorta may lead to serious complications, including aortic dissection and rupture. In the AscA study, we investigate the progression of aortic disease and identify factors associated with an increased risk of disease progression and adverse outcomes. The study is led by Professor Eva Swahn, and I am responsible for the echocardiographic follow-up and assessment of disease progression over time.
Digital heart- and lung sounds
In the Computerized Heart and Lung Sounds (CHALS) study, which is embedded within SCAPIS in Link枚ping, we investigate how digitally recorded heart and lung sounds relate to findings from cardiac and pulmonary computed tomography, echocardiography, and pulmonary function testing. The study is led by Associate Professor Anna Moberg, and our goal is to determine whether digital auscultation can contribute to improved point-of-care diagnostics in primary care.
Pulmonary hypertension
I have had a longstanding interest in pulmonary vascular disease, particularly pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Previously, my research has primarily focused on registry-based studies aimed at improving risk assessment in PAH. Currently, together with, among others, Associate Professor Kristofer Hedman, Dr. Karolina Kristenson, and Dr. Joanna-Maria Papageorgiou, I am investigating whether patient-near measurement of end-tidal carbon dioxide can improve risk stratification in PAH.
