Heart imaging to save those with the virus
Professor Marc Dweck at the University of Edinburgh has shown that heart imaging for those with Covid-19 could save lives. His research demonstrates that half of all people who receive heart imaging during their Covid-19 treatment show alterations in their heart function, and one third of those who receive heart imaging have their treatment changed. Professor Dweck’s work shows the importance of heart imaging as a standard aspect of treatment.
New challenge, old skills
Dr Ricky Vaja was a year into his BHF training fellowship when clinicians were called to help fight the pandemic. He joined the frontline at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London, then used his surgical skills in heart surgery at the Harefield Hospital. He never forgot his love of research however and has found time to contribute to several studies around blood vessels, ibuprofen, and the virus.
Clear guidance for millions
Professor Ajay Shah at King’s College London has led his team to explore a range of Covid-19 issues. They demonstrated that ACE inhibitor drugs were safe to use during the pandemic, giving clear information to millions of people. Professor Shah’s group has also researched why southeast Asian populations are more at risk from Covid-19.
Multitasking
Dr Andrew Sage at the University of Cambridge answered the call when scientists were needed in testing centres. He divided his time between the Cambridge Covid-19 testing centre and his BHF-funded research into atherosclerosis.
Enhancing data for global research
BHF Professor Sir Rory Collins is enhancing UK Biobank data for Covid-19 research. This valuable resource will help researchers around the world understand the virus and its effects, for example why some individuals are hit hard and others escape with little effect.
Carrying out vital testing
Dr Lisa McArthur is a Post Doc who, before the pandemic, was investigating new heart attack treatments at the University of Glasgow. When the crisis hit, Dr McArthur volunteered to help with Covid-19 testing in Glasgow’s Lighthouse Lab and was selected because of her unique skill set.
Tracking the virus in healthcare workers
Professor James Moon and team at UCL are taking samples, such as saliva and blood, from NHS healthcare workers at Bart’s Health NHS Trust. This data will help doctors track its spread and paint a clearer picture of transmission in hospitals.
Answers for people with high blood pressure
BHF Professor Rhian Touyz at the University of Glasgow is examining whether people with high blood pressure develop more severe Covid-19 infection. Her team are also testing the safety of blood pressure drugs in people with the virus.
Providing state-of-the-art testing equipment
When the Government called out for testing support, Professor Chris Denning at the University of Nottingham mobilised his BHF-funded research team to help. Collaborating with Nottingham Trent University, Professor Denning lent important testing equipment to a Covid-19 testing centre in Milton Keynes.
Robotic screening of thousands of drugs
Professor Mauro Giacca at King’s College London is using a robotic technology to screen thousands of FDA-approved drugs, some of which are over the counter, for the treatment of coronavirus. He’s already identified a number of drugs that could hold promise.
Helping the Government fast-track testing
Dr Andy Benest and team at the University of Nottingham are working to modify scientific methods in the lab with the aim of better detecting, and diagnosing, the virus in patients. This vital information will help the Government improve testing across the UK.
Understanding heart injury
Professor Colin Berry at the University of Glasgow is studying 160 Covid-19 patients to investigate whether the virus is released from damaged lung tissue into circulating blood, and then travels to the heart causing injury. The team also want to find those who are at risk of heart damage.
Mapping the virus in the human body
Dr Michela Noseda at Imperial College London, together with the Human Cell Atlas project team, has used a smart cell mapping software to understand how the virus enters the heart. Knowing which heart cells are targeted will provide crucial information for understanding how heart damage occurs, and how to combat it.
Joining the NHS frontline
Before coronavirus, Dr Bashir Alaour at King’s College London was exploring whether a molecule called cMyC could be used to speed up heart attack diagnosis. Dr Alaour has been redeployed to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, treating patients with Covid-19.
A symptom-tracking app used by millions
Professor Tim Spector at King’s College London, and healthcare science company ZOE, have developed a Covid Symptom Tracker app that is now used by millions of people on a daily basis. The Government and the NHS are using the data provided to track and better understand the virus.
Rallying scientists from around the globe
BHF Professor Costanza Emanueli at Imperial College London has called out for scientists to come together and collect samples from around the world for Covid-19 research. These samples could be used to understand the link between the virus and heart and circulatory diseases.
Anti-clotting drugs could hold promise
With collaborators, Dr Nicola Mutch at the University of Aberdeen is looking at whether clot-busting drugs could be repurposed to treat Covid-19. Delivering these drugs to the lungs with a nebulizer could be a rapid way of helping critically ill patients clear clots and get the oxygen they need. Dr Mutch and her team also want to find blood biomarkers that could help doctors identify those at risk of clots with Covid-19 infection.
Swapping a lab coat for scrubs
When Covid-19 reached the UK, Dr Mohammed Shah hung up his lab coat, put on his scrubs, and was redeployed to the NHS as a Specialist Registrar in Cardiology at East Kent University Hospital. He is now leading a team of junior doctors looking after Covid-19 patients, including those with cardiovascular complications.
BHF Trustee joins the fight
BHF Trustee Professor David Lomas volunteered on the NHS frontline to support the national effort against coronavirus. At the same time as volunteering, Professor Lomas also led UCL’s initiative called ‘Contribution to the National Effort’. As part of this, he encouraged his staff and students to volunteer for the NHS and donated 16 PCR machines to the Milton Keynes testing centre.
Junior researchers beating heartbreak forever
Outside of those contributing to national Covid-19 efforts, a number of our scientists are working hard to continue with their research from home. PhD student Silvia Santi and Post Doc Juho Vuononvirta from Queen Mary University London are continuing with their myocarditis research, analysing data and writing papers about their findings.
We know there are many others getting involved across the UK. If you’ve joined
the fight against coronavirus, we’d love to hear your story.
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