An abnormal blood pressure (BP) response to a clinical exercise stress test is a signal for increased cardiovascular disease risk. However, current clinical guidelines do not provide evidence based information surrounding values that may constitute this increased risk. The EXERcise stress Test collaboratION (EXERTION) aims to fill this knowledge gap via establishment of a large, national database of exercise stress test results, linked to acute and chronic cardiovascular disease outcomes.
The Role Of Microbiome Activity In Diet-disease Relationships: Anthocyanins, Flavanols And Hypertension
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$366,252.00
Summary
By clarifying the role that intestinal bacteria play in the blood pressure lowering effect of anthocyanins and flavanols, this project will unravel potential ways that we can use bacteria to improve the effectiveness of dietary interventions for the prevention of high blood pressure, and ultimately, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Chronotherapy Of Hypertension In Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$232,738.00
Summary
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is linked with excess cardiovascular disease, and this is partly attributed to increased high blood pressure (hypertension). Understanding how both conditions exacerbate hypertension and whether blood pressure control can be improved by altering the time that medication is taken will lead to improvements in health.
Central Excitatory Pathways Of The Autonomic Nervous System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$323,164.00
Summary
The central pathways of autonomic regulation are well known, but the functions of specific pathways in physiological settings remains an elusive goal. We will evaluate the role of two physiologically important autonomic pathways for sleep apnea and the circadian control of the body by genetically deleting the transmitter, glutamate, in transgenic mice. A greater understanding of these pathways is critical in unraveling autonomic nervous system function in health and disease.
Treating Insomnia In Patients With Co-existing Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$260,046.00
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and insomnia commonly coexist in the same patient, and can affect how patients adhere to treatment for their OSA. Insomnia can be effectively treated by a clinical psychologist using a technique known as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), but it is currently unclear whether this is effective in patients who also have OSA. This research project will investigate whether treatment of insomnia using CBT in patients who have OSA will improve health outcomes.
Role Of The Medial Amygdala In Developing Neurogenic Hypertension
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,123.00
Summary
We aim to investigate the underlying mechanisms and pathways that regulate the activity of neurons located in the medial amgydala during stress that contribute long term to the development of hypertension. This study is highly relevant to people who inappropriately respond to typical daily stressors and we aim to provide direction for developing specific therapies to interrupt the adverse cardiovascular consequences of chronic stress.
Breathing Easier: Optimising Non-Invasive Ventilation Of Preterm Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$266,623.00
Summary
Every year in Australia more than 6000 premature babies need breathing support after birth. My research focuses on improving the application of ‘non-invasive’ breathing supports for premature babies. These therapies can avoid the baby needing to be connected to a mechanical breathing machine, thus reducing the risk of damage to the baby’s fragile lungs. My vision is to better understand the way non-invasive breathing supports work, and to provide world-first evidence for their use.