Targeted LOWering Of Central Blood Pressure In Patients With Hypertension: A Randomised Controlled Trial (LOW CBP Study)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,442,405.00
Summary
For over 100 years doctors have measured blood pressure (BP) using a cuff at the upper arm. However, this method has many drawbacks that can result in inappropriate treatment decisions. New technology has emerged to measure central BP, which allows a more accurate BP assessment and may improve patient care. This study will test the clinical value of this new measure of central BP. Findings are expected to lead to a change in the way that people with high BP are diagnosed and managed by doctors.
Central Blood Pressure: Physiology And Clinical Application
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,270.00
Summary
Current methods used by doctors to measure blood pressure (BP) have many limitations that could result in incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate treatment of high BP (hypertension). This research program will determine the clinical usefulness of new methods to diagnose and treat people with high BP. The underlying mechanisms contributing to high BP will also be examined. The findings will lead to improved ways to identify and more effectively manage people with high BP.
Centre Of Research Excellence In Cardiovascular Outcomes Improvement
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,500,000.00
Summary
Quality, safety and the effectiveness of providing prevention and treatments to those with cardiovascular disease is the focus of research of the CRE in Cardiovascular Outcomes Improvement. Utilizing data derived from clinical registries and large patient databases of patients receiving various treatments for heart problems, we will investigate what factors are important in delivering cost-effective favorable outcomes. The centre will train future leaders in cardiovascular research focusing on
National Database Of Patients With Atrioventicular Septal Defects
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$45,341.00
Summary
Atrioventricular septal defects are a group of childhood heart diseases affecting all four chambers of the heart and two of the valves. These children do not normally survive past 30 years without surgery. Surgery offers a chance at life, but in the long term up to a quarter of children need further surgery. We are developing an Australian database to determine how best to reduce the risk of these complications, the burden on these children and the cost to society.
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.
Cardiometabolic Risk Trajectories From Childhood To Midlife: Finding Pathways To Better Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,531,987.00
Summary
Using data from a large cohort of Australian children followed for over 30 years, this study will investigate how weight status and physical fitness from childhood to adulthood determine early markers of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes (cardiometabolic disease) in midlife. It will provide much needed evidence to address the high prevalence of cardiometabolic disease risk factors in young Australians through better targeted disease prevention and early clinical intervention strategies.
Associations Between Periodontal Disease And Cardiovascular Surrogate Endpoints In An Adult Indigenous Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,346,328.00
Summary
The relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular surrogate endpoints, both of which are high among the Indigenous Australian population, is established. This study seeks to explore the prevalence of cardiovascular surrogate endpoints among this population with periodontal disease, and to determine if implementation of a periodontal intervention leads to improved cardiovascular risk outcomes. There may be benefit in applying this model to other areas of Indigenous health research.
Evaluation And Optimisation Of Rapid Access Cardiology Models Of Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$100,000.00
Summary
Many patients presenting to hospital with chest pain are admitted for observation. However improvements in cardiac testing mean ruling out an acute cardiac event early is more accurate and quicker. This project will examine the utility, safety, cost-benefits and acceptability of a Rapid Access Cardiology Clinic model of care for patients with chest pain. Their provision could reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and provide more convenient outpatient care for patients with chest pain.
Diabetes and heart disease are major causes of premature death, disability and high health care costs in Australia. Better strategies for the prevention and treatment of these conditions are needed. Professor Keech will continue to design and lead clinical trials and related laboratory research to evaluate and develop strategies to improve the lives of people with or at high risk of these conditions. He will also mentor the next generation of researchers.
Assessment Of The Efficacy Of A Brief Behaviour Intervention Designed To Improve Physical Activity In Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$691,206.00
Summary
The treatment options for patients with poor peripheral blood supply are currently limited. In particular there are limited means to help patients' to change poor health behaviours. This trial assesses the efficacy of a validated means to improve physical activity using motivational interviewing techniques in patients with poor peripheral blood supply.