Sydney scientists at the heart of cardiovascular research
Three University of Sydney academics have been awarded Research Development Project Grants to further their innovative research and collaborations in cardiovascular health.
The grants support research into the use of technologies such as smart phones and text messaging services to improve detection, prevention and patient care for cardiovascular events, as well as the development of a world-first method to more accurately detect high blood pressure in children.
The Research Development Project Grants were awarded last night by NSW Minister for Health, the Hon. Jillian Skinner MP at the annual NSW Cardiovascular Research Network (CVRN) Showcase.
Recipients include Dr Lis Neubeck from Sydney Nursing School and Charles Perkins Centre, Associate Professor Julie Redfern of Sydney Medical School and the George Institute for Global Health, and Associate Professor Michael Skilton of Sydney Medical School and the Boden Institute.
Cardiovascular disease remains a major health concern for NSW claiming the lives of women, men and children. Thirty per cent of all deaths in NSW are currently attributable to cardiovascular disease, and the disease is a major cost to our health system.
The Heart Foundation’s NSW Chief Executive, Kerry Doyle said there is great power in supporting collaboration between researchers.
“The NSW CVRN is vital in optimising our research capabilities by pooling research knowledge, resources and nurturing and retaining talent, particularly rising talent, in our State.”
“In NSW, we have some of the most innovative and outstanding researchers who are tackling cardiovascular disease head-on. We are actively supporting them to realise their full potential and ultimately, deliver break through research and substantive health outcomes” Ms Doyle said.
Project details
Dr Lis Neubeck’s grant will support her work on stroke prevention through smartphone screening for atrial fibrillation in general practice. Atrial fibrillation affects five percent of people over 65 and while early identification has been shown to prevent strokes, screening is rarely implemented. The project will investigate if the smartphone electrocardiograph (iECG) pioneered by Dr Neubeck and colleagues can be incorporated into practice nurses workflow.
Associate Professor Julie Redfern and partners will be investigating if a simple and affordable text messaging program could be used to educate, motivate and maintain a patient’s connection with chronic care services after hospital discharge. The researchers hope the program will improve adherence to chronic disease management plans and ultimately reduce hospital readmissions.
Associate Professor Michael Skilton and team aim to calculate a mathematical formula that will enable health practitioners, including family GPs, to screen for high blood pressure in a child’s aorta – the main artery that leaves the heart. Blood pressure in this artery more closely predicts risk of developing heart disease than blood pressure measured in the arm, however there is currently no way to detect this in children.
Related articles
Surge in flu this winter
People suffering severe flu this winter should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
Dementia tsunami: Alzheimer's and other dementias to triple by 2050
Governments need to take action on delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, argues Associate Professor Lesley Russell.
Legalising medicinal cannabis would create $100 million industry
Analysis from the University of Sydney Business School has found that legalising medicinal cannabis in Australia could create a new industry worth more than $100 million per year.
Ready, set, Rio: Sydney cohort heads to the Games
As more than 3.5 billion people around the world turn their sights towards Rio this week, 30 athletes from our community are getting ready to take their place on the globe’s biggest sporting stage.
Science student makes greatest self-discovery at the University
'Leave your comfort zone' is Kevin Gatdula’s motto in life. With an emphasis on continual personal development, the 20-year-old Bachelor of Commerce and Science student believes that this is the only way to cultivate a journey of personal growth.
Learning never stops - but it starts at Open Day
Like so many high school students in their final year, Denise Ong had a head full of questions. Little did she know at the time that one question she asked would later lead to a major turning point in her story.
Australian study wants your view on personal genomic testing
Do you want to know about your genetic information? Would you share it?
Sydney at Rio: two silver and a bronze add to our tally
In a blockbuster first week at Rio 2016 our athletes have continued to excel winning two silver and a bronze to add to Chloe Dalton's gold in the Rugby Sevens. Our total would see us sitting at 35th on the country tally rankings – ahead of Ireland, Slovenia and Romania.
Future research stars supported under new Sydney fellowship
The first cohort of fellows of the University's new Sydney Research Accelerator (SOAR) program has been announced.
Sydney tops the state for graduate employability
The University of Sydney has been ranked number one in New South Wales and 49 in the world in the most recent Times Higher Education Global Employability University Rankings.