PhD defence N. (Negin) Soroush

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation: 

This thesis explores how medications used to treat cardiovascular diseases affect heart health and how genetics can help personalize treatments to make them safer and more effective. Using data from large population studies, I investigated how certain drugs influence heart rhythms and the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD).
One key finding is that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, drugs often used in autoimmune diseases, can prolong the QT interval duration, especially at higher doses. This increases the risk of life-threatening heart problems and highlights the importance of careful monitoring.
Another focus was on the genetic variation in the NOS1AP gene and its role in modifying the heart’s response to digoxin, a medication used for heart failure. Surprisingly, people with a certain genetic variant showed a paradoxical shortening of their QT interval when taking digoxin. However, this variation did not significantly change their risk of SCD.
I also explored clopidogrel, a blood thinner, and found that individuals with a genetic variation in the CYP2C19 gene were at higher risk of death, especially in a subgroup of patients with stroke, emphasizing the need for genetic testing to guide its use.
Finally, I examined the benefits of statins and liraglutide for people with diabetes and heart disease. Both drugs were shown to significantly reduce heart-related risks, with liraglutide showing additional benefits for weight management.
These findings support the growing role of precision medicine in tailoring cardiovascular treatments to individual patients for better outcomes.