Personalised treatments in cardiac care launched

A new project to develop personalised heart treatments is being launched today, to coincide with European Heart Failure Awareness Day.

The project will be carried out by the Dublin-based Innovation Centre for Personalised Medicine.

In Ireland, there are 10,000 new cases, and more than 8,000 deaths as a result of heart failure every year.

Heart disease effects 2% of the Irish population - between 80,000 -90,000 people - and results in frequent hospitalisation as well as reduced life expectancy.

Ken McDonald, Medical Director of the Heartbeat Trust and a Consultant Cardiologist, said a personalised approach is important in cardiac treatment, as well as preventative measures.

"It's developed this concept …of personalising the approach to management in cardiovascular disease, taking the same lead that happens in cancer care - to try and make sure that we direct intervention to those most at risk, therefore getting the maximum return.

"[It also means] avoiding giving treatment to people whose risk profile is not that high."