Reversal of functional and prevention of structural abnormalities in Hypertrophic Cardiomyophathy ($25,600)
This grant to Dr McTaggart funded research into “hypertrophic cardiomyopathy”, which is an inherited abnormality of heart function and is the commonest cause of sudden death in young people. The disease affects 1 in 500 and there are almost 1000 cases of this lethal disorder in Tasmania. The study investigated if it is possible to reverse this functional abnormality and subsequent development of hypertrophy using Diltiazem. Results were successful.
Folowing on from this research, Professor Ho at Boston University as mounted a multi-centre trial which is due for comlpletion in 2015. The new research is looking at the same issue which may lead to prevention or attenuation of the disease in genetic carriers.
Tasmania's Clifford Craig Medical Research Trust was established in 1991.