Identification Of Novel Biomarkers And Risk Factors For Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia. In this fellowship, I will investigate different markers in the blood and risk factors that can help to identify people at an increased risk of developing heart disease. The ultimate aim of this project is to identify blood markers or factors that can be used to identify and treat people at the early stages of heart disease, thus reducing the death rate and associated economic burden of the disease.
Cardiovascular disease is the biggest killer in Australia. It describes diseases of the heart and blood vessels including heart attack and stroke. The risk of developing these diseases is affected by our diet and lifestyle and also by our genetic makeup that we inherit. In this project we are aiming to identify the specific heritable genetic differences between individuals that put us at greater risk of cardiovascular disease. We are studying large families from the Busselton Health Study.
Genetic And Early Life Predictors Of Ectopic Fat And Their Association With Cardiometabolic Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,706,136.00
Summary
Obesity in childhood predicts adult cardiovascular disease. Body mass index as a measure of obesity does not fully describe the biology of excess adiposity. However, differences in the distribution of body fat, particularly fat around organs, may explain some of the excess risk. We will examine effects of genetic, pregnancy and childhood factors on different body fats and cardiovascular risk in Raine Study participants at 26 years. These young adults have been studied from pregnancy to adulthood
Weight And Risk Factor Management And Assessment Of Socioeconomic Status To Assess Impact On AF Progression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,117.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. This disease can begin with short episodes but over time become more long-standing. Risk factors such as obesity have been linked to the burden and progression of the disease. Dedicated clinics focusing on education and management of these risk factors have been shown to reduce patients symptoms and burden of AF. We aim to evaluate these clinics results in halting the progression of AF.
Defining An Effective Cardiovascular Risk Stratification System For Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$295,450.00
Summary
This project combines information from four large studies that have been carried out in Australia, the United States, and Finland that have collected measures on the same participants during childhood and again during adulthood, to determine an effective means of identifying children at risk of developing premature cardiovascular disease.
Modelling Of Clinic And Ambulatory Blood Pressure On Cardiovascular Risk And Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,957.00
Summary
Whilst ambulatory blood pressure monitoring data has been shown to be a good predictor of cardiovascular events, there remains controversy as to its utility in clinical practice. This project will use data from existing population and clinical cohort studies to examine the role of ambulatory blood pressure in risk assessment and hypertension management in Australia and around the globe. The findings are likely to have a major impact on clinical guidelines for hypertension management.
Quadruple UltrA-low-dose TReamenT For HypErTension - QUARTET
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,242,865.00
Summary
High blood pressure is common and a major cause of heart disease and stroke. While many people with hypertension are on some treatment, in over half blood pressure targets are not reached and their high blood pressure is hence uncontrolled. In this research we investigate whether an approach that combines 4 types of blood pressure lowering medications at quarter doses into one pill, may be a more effective way of controlling blood pressure and doing this with few side effects.
Addressing Residual CV Risk In Diabetes: Focus On Lp(a) Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,864.00
Summary
High postmeal lipid levels and fatty liver occurs commonly in Type 2 Diabetes and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition to the standard risk factors of triglycerides and cholesterol, other factors, including a small protein called Lp(a) increase cardiovascular disease risk. Few therapies reduce Lp(a) and this study will examine the effect of niacin on reducing the concentration of this protein. A positive result may expand treatment choices for diabetics in red ....High postmeal lipid levels and fatty liver occurs commonly in Type 2 Diabetes and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition to the standard risk factors of triglycerides and cholesterol, other factors, including a small protein called Lp(a) increase cardiovascular disease risk. Few therapies reduce Lp(a) and this study will examine the effect of niacin on reducing the concentration of this protein. A positive result may expand treatment choices for diabetics in reducing the risk of heart disease.Read moreRead less
New Approaches To The Management Of Atrial Fibrillation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$577,189.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorders and is now a common cause of hospitalisation in Australia. It can lead to devastating complications such as stroke and heart failure. This fellowship will under take a series of randomised studies to define new therapeutic strategies for management of atrial fibrillation. It aims to establish lifestyle and preventative measures into the mainstream for the management and prevention of this condition.