Two researchers from The University of Western Australia have received Heart Foundation funds to help save more lives from cardiovascular disease.

More than four million people in Australia currently live with cardiovascular disease and it claims nearly 45,000 lives annually. Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia — accounting for more than 18,000 deaths annually.

Dr Lee Nedkoff, from UWA’s School of Population and Global Health, co-director of the Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Centre and a Future Leader Fellowship recipient, aims to improve cardiovascular disease surveillance and monitoring in Australia.

Dr Nedkoff is focused on developing new monitoring methods, including algorithms and standardised approaches for conditions such as chronic coronary disease and conditions affecting the heart muscle.

“I will develop a comprehensive system for monitoring cardiovascular disease conditions, including a focus on First Nations and rural communities,” Dr Nedkoff said.

“Best-practice surveillance of cardiovascular disease is essential for prevention, management and driving optimal health policy.

“My research will help to develop an integrated, standardised framework for monitoring cardiovascular disease conditions.”

Dr Lakshini Herat, from UWA’s School of Biomedical Sciences, has been awarded a Postdoctoral Fellowship to examine how low doses of new anti-diabetic treatments could be used for the prevention and treatment of cardio-renal disease.

“The sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the body’s ‘fight-or-flight’ response, prepares the body for stress-related activities and slows non-essential bodily processes during emergencies,” Dr Herat said.

“It is one of the major drivers of high blood pressure that often does not respond well to standard anti-hypertensive medications.

“These patients are at an increased risk of heart and kidney disorders and the risk is further increased by obesity and extra fat deposition around vital organs.

“My research study will focus on understanding how new anti-diabetic medications may control the sympathetic nervous system, blood pressure and organ specific fat to protect the heart and kidneys from damage.”