Research Grant Award

Subha V. Raman, M.D., and Roula al-Dahhak, M.D.

The Ohio State University
Preclinical Markers of Cardiomyopathy in Friedreich’s Ataxia

Patients with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) develop weakness of the heart muscle that can ultimately cause death due to abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or congestive heart failure. This heart muscle disease, also known as cardiomyopathy, may be difficult to treat in advanced stages. Earlier detection and better understanding of why it develops could help create new prevention and treatment strategies that reduce death and disability in FA patients. Our scientific team has the expertise and experience to test new ideas related to why cardiomyopathy develops in FA. The results of our work could lead to new ways to detect and treat FA-related heart disease in its earliest stages.