Emily Aldridge

Biography

My research focuses broadly on pregnancy and heart disease. I currently contribute to a number of investigator-led studies and one clinical trial. All research is based at the Lyell McEwin Hospital. Cardiovascular assessment after obstetric complications (COFFEE) Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for Australian women. Research suggests that women who experience pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, spontaneous preterm birth and delivery of a small for gestational age infant, are more likely to develop future heart disease than their healthy counterparts. We aim to reduce cardiovascular risk in mothers who experience pregnancy complications through establishment of a research-based postpartum clinic at the Lyell McEwin Hospital. Comparison study of two oscillometric pulse wave analysis devices This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two pulse wave analysis devices in measuring maternal haemodynamics in a cohort of pregnant women. Cardiac Obstetric Registry of South Australia (COROSA) This registry collects information on health and pregnancy outcomes of South Australian women who suffer from a known cardiac disease. It aims to monitor and improve treatments and outcomes for women and their babies. This registry is the first of its kind in South Australia. EURObservational Research Programme Our research team contributes to two international studies run by the EURObservational Research Programme, namely the Registry of Pregnancy and Cardiac Disease (ROPAC) and the Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Registry (PPCM). Researchers from around the world contribute to these high quality databases to improve outcomes for pregnant women with cardiac disease and women who develop peripartum cardiomyopathy. Pulse wave analysis: using Tensiomed Arteriograph to assess endothelial function, a pilot study We aim to validate the use of a specific oscillometric pulse wave analysis device, the Tensiomed Arteriograph, in assessing vasomotor endothelial function. This is achieved by measuring the response to endothelium-dependent and endotheliam-independent nitrovasodilators.

Research Interest

Medicine,Medical Education,Research,etc