Perth researchers develop genetic test to detect heart failure risk early

Prof Girish Dwivedi is playing his part in some significant heart research.

A global first in the detection of heart failure risk has emerged from Perth’s Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, and one of our own members has been part of the breakthrough.

AMA (WA) member Professor Girish Dwivedi, Co-Group Leader of the Perkins Cardiovascular Science and Diabetes Research Program, was part of the research team that developed a new genetic test capable of identifying people at higher risk of heart failure, years or even decades before symptoms appear.

The research, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, opens the door to early intervention and tailored treatments for patients at risk of heart failure, a condition that affects over 400,000 Australians annually and contributed to 26,000 deaths in 2021.

Led by Professor Grant Morahan, Director of the Centre for Diabetes Research and expert in the genetics of complex disease, the team developed a test that analyses patterns across multiple genetic variants, not just rare mutations. This approach represents a major advancement in predicting and preventing common diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and dementia.

Supported by the Federal Government through MTPConnect, the next step for the project is securing regulatory approval and investment to bring this groundbreaking technology to market.