Professor
John Deanfield
BHF Vandervell Chair of Congenital Heart Disease
Institute of Child Health, London
Professor Deanfield is interested in the
early changes to our blood vessels that may predict later disease
in our arteries. Finding ways of treating these early
changes might prevent development of problems.
As part of their ongoing studies, Professor Deanfield's team
have developed a simple non-invasive technique called
'flow-mediated dilatation'. The technique can give an
indication of the health of blood vessels. It is now a crucial tool
for assessing the effects of environmental factors and therapeutic
agents on our circulatory system.
Genes and environment in young people
Professor Deanfield is leading a study of the
heart and circulatory health of more than 8,000 children. The study
will analyse links between health, DNA and lifestyle factors,
measuring the health of children's arteries every year starting at
the age of 10.
The study is the largest of its kind and will
help us to reduce the burden of heart disease for future
generations.
Stem cells
Professor Deanfield is studying how stem cells
from bone marrow are involved in the development of blood vessels
in children. These cells may show us a way to help protect
ourselves against the development of heart and circulatory disease
in the future.
Further information
Read more about Professor Deanfield's research that has improved
care for people with congenital heart
disease.
