Research areas
In the Heart & Brain Research Group, we focus on heart and brain research, with emphasis on atrial fibrillation and stroke:
- Genetic
- Prognostic value of biomarkers
- Imaging
- Different forms of treatment
- Screening for atrial fibrillation
- Exercise and atrial fibrillation
Other areas of research include:
- Physical activity and hip fracture risk
- Geriatrics: Impaired cognitive function and delirium
- Renal amyloidosis
Research groups
The research group has extensive national and international research collaboration:
- The Heart & Brain Research Group includes all researchers involved in research on cardiovascular disease, in particular atrial fibrillation and stroke
- Core site for the Norwegian Atrial Fibrillation Research Network
- Extensive national and international research collaboration
People
Marius Myrstad MD, PhD is head of the department. He is assisted by administrative consultant Kristine Seland Folkenborg.
The research group currently employs more than 10 postdoctoral research fellows, and our team includes 15 PhD fellows (in different phases of their respective scientific programs), three experienced research nurses covering different aspects of clinical studies, and a varying number of scientific assistants for specific projects.
Facilities and methodology
The department is a well-equipped clinical research department with a state-of-the-art echocardiography scanner, advanced ECG-recording and -monitoring, and ergospirometry facilities.
We run an established biobank center with more than 10 -80°C ultra-freezers, 24-hour electronic temperature surveillance, and on-site manual inspection by technical personnel three times daily.
Certification
We have developed a comprehensive system of standard operating procedures for research, and we are certified according to the ISO 9001:2015 standard by DNV-GL. As part of this certification, the department was acclaimed for its excellent quality system for strategic planning, risk management, and follow-up of research projects.