Dr Elizabeth Paratz

Dr Elizabeth Paratz, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. 

Awarded a 2018 Health Professional Scholarship.

Years funded: 2019-2023

RESEARCH PROJECT: Optimising the genetic and forensic analysis of sudden cardiac death

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) occurs in around 1000 Australians under 50 years old every year. Most studies into SCD investigate a research population aged under 35 years old. However, SCD occurs ten times more frequently in people aged 35-50. Despite their increased risk of SCD, patients aged 35-50 years old have been under-studied on a global basis, creating a gap in their diagnosis and management. Through the creation of Australia’s first SCD registry, this research project will provide capacity to investigate novel questions including: 

• the causes of SCD in Australians aged 35-50 years old 
• optimisation of first-degree relative screening 
• optimisation of genetic analysis of patients and; 
• their relatives and validation of the use of cardiac imaging as a post-mortem diagnostic technique. 

Through increased risk identification and screening, this research project focuses on reducing the burden of SCD in Australia. Improving post-mortem genetic risk modelling and cardiac imaging could provide more answers to Australians as to why their family members have experienced SCD and whether they are also at risk. This project is co-funded with NHMRC - National Health and Medical Research Council.