Amy A Kirkham

The overarching goal of my research program is to use a multi-disciplinary approach that leverages cutting edge, non-invasive, imaging techniques to study precisely prescribed, mechanistically targeted, lifestyle interventions to prevent and ameliorate cardiovascular dysfunction and disease, with an emphasis on women. A primary focus is on cardiovascular toxicity in cancer populations, especially breast cancer.

While exercise is a key diagnostic and therapeutic tool, I take a multi-disciplinary approach in my lab to characterize, treat, and improve the health of individuals with cardiac and/or oncologic disease. Established and novel magnetic resonance and echocardiographic imaging techniques, cardiopulmonary exercise testing and venipuncture are used to investigate cardiac, vascular, and skeletal muscle mechanisms of exercise intolerance and to quantify the therapeutic benefits of targeted clinical exercise and dietary interventions on these systems. Intervention approaches of interest include acute and chronic exercise, calorie restriction, intermittent fasting (including time-restricted eating), ketogenic diet, and multi-dimensional cardiac rehabilitation.

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  • Assistant Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, University of Toronto
  • Affiliate Scientist, KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute
  • cancer
  • cardiovascular disease
  • cardio-oncology
  • caloric restriction & time-restricted eating
  • exercise
  • cardiac rehabilitation
  • cardiac function (MRI, echo)
  • ectopic fat (visceral, intermuscular, liver)
  • lifestyle intervention