Daphne Merkus

My research focuses on the role of microvascular dysfunction in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease throughout life. Microvascular dysfunction not only impacts organ perfusion, but also results in paracrine effects contributing to organ dysfunction. Moreover, the microcirculation is an important entry-point for circulating neuro humoral as well as inflammatory factors/ toxins into different organs. I have studied the role of coronary microvascular dysfunction in development and progression of heart failure, pulmonary microvascular dysfunction in development and progression of pulmonary hypertension and have recently started to investigate the placental microcirculation as a key factor in both maternal and neonatal cardiovascular disease. I use a translational approach