Heart - Hike

"On 1 April 2025, my wife, Frederike, and I are leaving for a three-month hike. We start next to the North Sea and follow the GR5 long-distance path to the Mediterranean, meaning 2150 km, 3 million steps, and 100 days of walking, all with 1 mission: Support for sudden cardiac death research!" Prof. Bart Loeys 

The ultimate aim of this research is not only to unravel the mysteries surrounding hereditary causes of sudden cardiac death, but also to develop effective treatments. Once we discover why one person becomes very ill and another doesn’t, even though they have the same genetic defect, we can develop personalised treatments. By using 'aorta-on-a-chip' models, the differences can be better investigated, in order to ultimately explore innovative solutions. Using the study of aortic stem cells, researchers aim to improve genetic predictors of clinical outcomes and gain a deeper understanding of variability. This provides an excellent target for treatments. To achieve this, 40 cell lines need to be set up. Each stem cell line costs 12 000 euros, meaning that financial support is essential to continue this promising research into hereditary causes of sudden cardiac death and aortic dissection.