Donate to FMD research to help women like Chris living in fear
One in 20 women are thought to share forms of this little-known vascular disease. For women like Chris, living with FMD has had severe consequences. Your gift can help.
For 15 years, Chris had no idea she was suffering from fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). Despite having sky-high blood pressure and a host of other life-threatening symptoms, doctors failed to make a diagnosis. It led to her losing a kidney.
When Chris first fell ill, very little was known about FMD and it was thought to be a rare disease. So rare and so unstudied, it was one of the key reasons why Chris was misdiagnosed for so long.
We now know that is far more common and could affect one in every 20 Australian women. Whilst this helps with diagnosis, we still know so very little about what causes FMD and why it can be so severe for women like Chris.
What is being done at the Institute to uncover more about FMD?
After many years of research Professor Jason Kovacic and an international team, have discovered the key genes that drive FMD.
Professor Kovacic is now honing in on one of these genes called PHATRC1, which is thought to play a crucial role in many vascular diseases, including FMD.
It is vital Professor Kovacic and his team learn more about PHATRC1 and how it causes FMD to pave the way for future treatments.
How can you help?
The next steps of this research are ambitious and incredibly exciting for FMD patients like Chris, who still suffers life-threatening symptoms.
Professor Kovacic and his team are hoping to undertake the following research projects as soon as funding becomes available. Your support can help make these vital projects possible.
- An in-depth study into PHATRC1 to understand the function, role, biology and pathology of this complex gene
- An Australian-based clinical study of several hundred FMD patients to better understand the causes and effect of the disease on patients
- To develop a blood test diagnostic tool for FMD patients
Will you help make these important research projects possible by making a generous gift today?
Acknowledgement of Country
The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
