About the Cardiometabolic Imaging laboratory
The Baker Cardiometabolic Imaging laboratory is advancing our understanding of heart disease in patients with cardiometabolic conditions using cutting-edge imaging technologies.
We use cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and cardiac magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) techniques to reveal the mechanisms behind heart disease in people with diabetes and related metabolic conditions. By combining these advanced imaging tools with randomised clinical trials, we can test novel treatment strategies while monitoring how the heart responds to treatment in real time.
Who we study
Our research spans the full spectrum of cardiometabolic disease. We investigate early disease stages in adults with isolated type 2 diabetes or obesity who haven't yet developed cardiovascular complications. We also examine the combined impact of diabetes and common cardiovascular conditions such as valvular heart disease — particularly aortic stenosis — and inherited cardiomyopathies in adults who have comorbid diabetes.
This comprehensive approach allows us to understand how diabetes influences heart disease across different patient groups and disease stages.
Our research focus
Our research concentrates on three key areas:
- Technical development
Advancing CMR imaging and MR spectroscopy techniques to improve how we visualise and measure heart function and metabolism. - Clinical trials with novel treatments
Testing new treatment strategies through randomised clinical trials, using CMR imaging and MR spectroscopy biomarkers to monitor the heart's response to treatment and tackle cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. - Maternal cardiometabolic health
Improving health outcomes for mothers with cardiometabolic conditions during pregnancy and beyond.