30 July 2008
Monash University is taking part in a world-first study into cardiovascular disease (CVD) which kills one Australian every 10 minutes and affects 3.5 million people nationally.
One of the world's leading cardiologists has visited the University this week as part of the international study into the prevention of diseases such as heart disease and stroke.
Professor Salim Yusuf, who is in the world's top one per cent of cited medical specialists, is co-ordinating the international study. Monash University is the lead test site in Australia.
The Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE-3) trial is being conducted in 19 countries over a six year period with more than 11,000 patients at moderate risk of having cardiovascular events in the future.
The study is investigating preventative medicines and combinations of currently prescribed medicines that may assist in reducing the incidents of heart disease and stroke, particularly in men aged 55 and older and women aged over 65 who are at risk.
Monash University's Associate Professor Chris Reid said the trial was targeting people who are in the higher risk age and health bracket.
"Obviously as you age, the chance of developing CVD increases as poor lifestyle choices such as being overweight or smoking start to take their toll," Associate Professor Reid said.
"Our study, in conjunction with hundreds of other researchers around the world, is looking to find what combination of drugs or treatments will best reduce the incidence of heart disease. Professor Yusuf is among the leading experts in this field in the world, so to be able to collaborate on an international study on this scale is a very positive step towards addressing one of the biggest health issues in the Western World."
Professor Yusuf said the study was part of big-picture research he hoped would achieve specific outcomes within the 20 years.
"The next decade or two will see intensive research into the societal and environmental causes that influence unhealthy behaviours so that societal and policy changes can be developed on the basis of evidence," Professor Yusuf said.
"In the long term, these changes will reduce population levels of risk factors and reverse the marked increase in CVD that has occurred in the past century."
For more details please contact Samantha Blair, Media and Communications +61 3 9903 4841.
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