The Cardiovascular Genetic and Therapeutic Implications of Muscular Dystrophy

Objective(s) and Hypothesis(es): The objectives to be evaluated are as follows:

Specific Hypothesis #1: Heart disease, specifically dilated cardiomyopathy, can be identified early in patients with muscular dystrophy and allow for earlier institution of medical therapies

Specific Hypothesis #2: Non-invasive testing via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and echocardiography can identify early systolic and diastolic dysfunction in patients with muscular dystrophy as well as document structural changes ("Reverse remodeling") following institution of medical therapy

Specific Hypothesis #3: Serologic testing can identify early cardiac dysfunction prior to changes on magnetic resonance imaging or echocardiogram that can predict disease onset, risk stratify future cardiac morbidity and mortality, and response to medical therapy

Specific Hypothesis #4: Specific dystrophin mutations can be identified that predict the onset or protection against dilated cardiomyopathy

Specific Hypothesis #5: Construction and maintenance of a database of patients with muscular dystrophy can be established that will allow for future research in patients with muscular dystrophy, specifically in the area of gene therapy

Specific Hypothesis #6: Quality of life in patients with cardiac disease can be assessed and used to modulate therapy and also allow for noncardiac directed therapies that will improve overall well-being

Specific Hypothesis #7: Further understanding of neurohormonal profiles, responses to medical therapy, and dystrophin mediated cardiomyopathy will impact all patients with heart failure world-wide