A randomised controlled trial of motivational interviewing as a tool to enhance secondary prevention strategies in cardiovascular disease. While there is increasing evidence for the efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in reducing mortality and morbidity, adherence to risk factor modification strategies are problematic for many CR patients. This project will evaluate in a randomised controlled trial the benefit of motivational interviewing (MI) in enhancing secondary prevention strategies in ....A randomised controlled trial of motivational interviewing as a tool to enhance secondary prevention strategies in cardiovascular disease. While there is increasing evidence for the efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in reducing mortality and morbidity, adherence to risk factor modification strategies are problematic for many CR patients. This project will evaluate in a randomised controlled trial the benefit of motivational interviewing (MI) in enhancing secondary prevention strategies in CR patients. Given the role of self-efficacy in predicting adherence, MI needs to be evaluated in CR. This study is significant in terms of preventative health, and its potential to improve the design and delivery of CR programs and increase patient adherence. Expected outcomes include increased adherence to cardiovascular risk modification and improved psychological well-being.Read moreRead less
Effect of modification of structural and cellular properties of the arterial wall on functional stiffness of large arteries. The Australian population is ageing, becoming more obese and showing earlier onset of age-related conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure and inflammatory disorders. All these conditions are associated with possible increase arterial stiffness. Inflammatory disorders in Australia affect one in six people, increasing to one in five in the next decade. An equa ....Effect of modification of structural and cellular properties of the arterial wall on functional stiffness of large arteries. The Australian population is ageing, becoming more obese and showing earlier onset of age-related conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure and inflammatory disorders. All these conditions are associated with possible increase arterial stiffness. Inflammatory disorders in Australia affect one in six people, increasing to one in five in the next decade. An equal proportion is affected by cardiovascular disease. This combined effect poses a massive burden on the national health budget. This project aims to investigate basic mechanism leading to degeneration of function of larger arteries and therapies to reverse the process and reduce cardiovascular risk in the community.Read moreRead less
Analysis of non-invasive central aortic pressure using a Web-based international database. Blood pressure is measured conventionally with a cuff around the upper arm. A marked difference exists between pressure at the heart (central aorta) and that in the arm. Technology developed by the industrial partner allows non-invasive measurement of aortic pressure, a value relevant for many forms of heart conditions. We will develop a web-based system and software protocols to provide a facility for epi ....Analysis of non-invasive central aortic pressure using a Web-based international database. Blood pressure is measured conventionally with a cuff around the upper arm. A marked difference exists between pressure at the heart (central aorta) and that in the arm. Technology developed by the industrial partner allows non-invasive measurement of aortic pressure, a value relevant for many forms of heart conditions. We will develop a web-based system and software protocols to provide a facility for epidemiological analysis of aortic pressure. This facility will provide, for the first time in the history of epidemiology of blood pressure in humans, the means to relate normal and abnormal aging changes to pressure at the heart.Read moreRead less