Dr. Nikolaos A. Diakos of The Texas Heart Institute has been awarded a Roderick D. MacDonald Research Fund grant to support groundbreaking research on cardiogenic shock (CS) and cardiac recovery. Dr. Diakos’ study, titled “Cardiogenic Shock Phenotyping for the Development of a Cardiac Recovery Prediction Model,” aims to explore the mechanisms behind cardiac recovery in patients with CS who receive Acute Mechanical Circulatory Support (AMCS) implants.

Cardiogenic shock, a life-threatening condition where the heart fails to pump enough blood to the body’s vital organs, has an alarming in-hospital mortality rate of 30-40%. While AMCS devices are used to stabilize these patients, the factors that lead to cardiac recovery remain poorly understood.

“Receiving the MacDonald research grant is an incredible opportunity to push forward our understanding of cardiogenic shock and cardiac recovery,” Nikolaos A. Diakos, MD. “Our goal is to develop a predictive model that can save lives by identifying patients with the greatest potential for recovery early on.”

Dr. Diakos’ research will focus on developing a prediction model that combines hemodynamic, echocardiographic, and molecular data to identify patients with the potential for cardiac recovery early in their treatment. This model could lead to more personalized treatment approaches, reduce complications, and enhance survival rates for patients in critical condition.

This award not only recognizes the importance of Dr. Diakos’ research but also highlights The Texas Heart Institute’s commitment to advancing cardiovascular care.

Learn more about the Roderick D. MacDonald Research Fund and Fellowship Awards.