Cardiovascular biomechanics (Prof. Nicolas Baeyens).
Cardiovascular pathologies are the main cause of mortality worldwide. Their spectrum is vast: myocardial infarction, vascular malformations, arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis or stroke, we have all been affected by these pathologies. The cardiovascular system is a simple hydraulic system: a pump (heart) propels a fluid (blood) through pipes (blood vessels) supplying nutrients and oxygen to all the cells of the body.
However, this system is capable of adapting to modulate the demand according to the needs. Understanding the physiological mechanisms governing these feedbacks will allow us to propose innovative treatments to reduce the mortality associated with cardiovascular diseases. The project led by Professor Nicolas Baeyens seeks to understand how mechanical forces are perceived and integrated in the cardiovascular system and to propose new pharmacological approaches specifically targeting these cellular responses.
More information on the ULB Foundation website.
Illustrations : Nicolas Baeyens and his team. © ULB Foundation.