Heart patients will benefit directly from the most modern approaches possible of a strong research program. Fraser also thanked state Rep. Dianne White Delisi, R-Temple, for her support and involvement in advocating the additional funding request. More than 52,000 heart disease and stroke deaths were reported in Texas in 1997. The Institute works to provide a basic, molecular understanding of the basis for heart disease and stroke, so that improved survival is possible. The Institute's research results will be applied to a variety of new drug therapies and treatment regimens, and improved clinical care of patients with heart disease and stroke histories will be made possible, Fraser said.
Molecular cardiology is the study of the function of the human heart at the most basic level.
Cells and molecules that communicate between cells in the heart are responsible for normal heart function. During heart disease, many of the normal function are altered because of changes at the basic level. Once the molecular mechanisms are known, more effective care and treatment are possible.