Elucidating the link between Pneumonia and Cardiovascular Disease

Pneumonia, an inflammatory respiratory disease, has been associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular complications. While the exact mechanisms remain unknown, residual inflammation and microlesions are suspected of contributing to unstable plaque and compromised cardiac function respectively. By developing a dual disease murine model, I utilised a range of imaging (magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography imaging), laboratory techniques (gene expression, histology and immunoassays) and mass spectrometry, to characterise the infection and investigate the effects on cardiovascular system. Altogether, my work created a platform which would help in understanding the role of pneumonia in causing adverse cardiac complications.