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FINDING
THE ANSWERS
SEARCHING FOR A CORRELATION BETWEEN PRE-HEART
ATTACK SYMPTOMS AND HEART ATTACKS
By Andrea Hein
The search for a correlation between pre-heart attack symptoms and heart attacks is a pressing question in Harris
College research laboratories. Two related research projects are currently ongoing to establish clear links to heart
issues in Americans.
“Heart disease and other vessel-based diseases tend to be more prominent in the southern regions of the country,”
said Dennis Cheek, professor of gerontological nursing. Cheek began his career working in a cardiac unit and was
interested in seeking the “missing symptoms” that may be a marker for individuals at risk of heart attack. Because
heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States, Cheek’s research can help find ways
to change the statistics.
One of the main goals of his research is to discover precursors for developing heart disease. “Women usually present
atypically,” Cheek said. Catching the problem before it occurs by finding preventative solutions is a major goal of
the research. Cheek is interested in examining the role of the inner lining of blood vessels as they contribute to
symptoms, specifically the endothelial cells in these vessels.
Harris College of Nursing and the Department of Kinesiology have partnered to conduct research in two segments.
The first research study, based in the Kinesiology Exercise Physiology Lab, will consist of approximately 15 individuals
who will provide medical background information and samples both pre- and post-exercise. The samples may include
blood, vessel cells, an ultra sound and a measure for a specific protein. Any changes in the vascular system will be
measured. This project is serving as a master’s thesis for a kinesiology student, with Joel Mitchell, professor and chair
of kinesiology, and Melody Phillips, associate professor, as collaborating faculty members.
Grace Chi, former assistant professor in Harris College, developed a second study of heart attack precursors
based on her previous research. Chi’s previous research tested the use of relaxation methods such as DVDs
containing relaxing sounds like running water, nature and serene locations to effect pain perception for patients
undergoing chemotherapy.
Using similar relaxation techniques, the project will test the effects of relaxation on stress levels as they affect
endothelial cells in college-aged individuals.
“The nice part about being here at TCU is that I get to work with kinesiology and nursing undergraduate and graduate
students. Working with students on research projects and finding answers to our research questions is one of the joys
of being on the faculty at TCU,” said Cheek.
“HEART DISEASE
AND OTHER VESSEL-BASED DISEASES
TEND TO BE
MORE PROMINENT IN THE SOUTHERN
REGIONS
OF THE COUNTRY,” SAID
DENNIS CHEEK
,
PROFESSOR OF GERONTOLOGICAL NURSING.
FEATURES
Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences ·
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