Dr Ashkir’s presentation showcased key findings from his DPhil research on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
HCM is a condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, and predisposes patients to sudden cardiac death, heart failure and stroke. For his research, Dr Ashkir studied microstructural and metabolic abnormalities in HCM patients, comparing those with causative genetic mutations in sarcomeric genes (which is the cause of HCM in around 40% of patients) to those without.
Findings explain increased risk of sudden cardiac death
Using advanced cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) techniques, Dr Ashkir found that patients with sarcomeric HCM exhibited a greater cumulative burden of abnormalities, such as scarring, disarray of muscle fibers, and energy deficits, despite having similar levels of heart thickening. These abnormalities were observed at a younger age in this group and were linked to a higher risk of dangerous heart rhythm disturbances.
Patients can be identified and monitored earlier
These findings help explain the increased risk of sudden cardiac death in sarcomeric HCM patients. They also highlight the potential of advanced CMR techniques in identifying patients who may require closer monitoring or earlier treatment and could pave the way for more personalized risk assessment and management in HCM.
Upon winning his award, Dr Ashkir commented: ‘I’m deeply grateful for the incredible support of my supervisors—Prof. Betty Raman, Prof. Masliza Mahmod, Prof. Stefan Neubauer, and Prof. Hugh Watkins—as well as my collaborators and colleagues at OCMR.
‘I also extend my thanks to the British Heart Foundation for their funding and to the many research participants who made this work possible. This research reflects the collective effort and shared commitment of everyone involved.’