The Times Australia
Health

.
The Times Real Estate

.

The heart research that could save fit and healthy Australians



Australians are now one step closer to being able to check that their heart is in working condition with a simple blood test.

Leading scientists at the Heart Research Institute (HRI) are close to uncovering a new biomarker to identify people at risk of heart disease with a simple blood test, after a “good” gene was identified that causes the heart to enlarge with exercise.

The world first discovery was led by one of Australia’s foremost heart scientists, Professor Julie McMullen, who is now leading HRI’s Heart Muscle Group to focus on developing new ways to prevent and treat heart attack and heart failure. 

“Our goal is to reproduce the actions of the ‘good’ genes in the diseased heart by mimicking the beneficial effects of exercise in a failing heart. We then use that information to develop new drugs to reduce the risk of heart disease or heart failure,” Prof McMullen said. 

One person has a heart attack in Australia every 10 minutes, while one Australian dies from cardiovascular disease every 12 minutes.

“Heart disease can happen to any of us. With increasing rates of obesity and type two diabetes, people are being affected by heart conditions at a much younger age, which can progress to heart attack and heart failure,” Prof McMullen said.

“Current drugs are not very effective for improving heart function and quality of life, so it is important that we identify new therapies for patients with heart disease and heart failure.” 

A simple blood test could have helped someone like Warren Williams, who was a fit and healthy tri-athelete when he discovered he had atrial fibrillation. The Sydney father had to be fitted with a pacemaker, only to still suffer a massive cardiac arrest years later while on a run.

“Doctors told me I should be dead, they said I shouldn’t have lived through it,” he said.

"Somehow I miraculously survived, probably due to my fitness, but that we will never know. I was told I wouldn’t be able to run again, ride a bike, sing on stage, and possibly not even work again."

The father is now on a mission to spread awareness about regular heart check-ups, especially for those people who feel fit and healthy.

"Atrial Fibrillation affects people in many different ways - for some, everyday life and function becomes quite difficult, whereas in others, like myself, it can be a silent underlying condition with potentially life-threatening outcomes."

Scientists are hoping to find the gift of research in their Santa stocking this festive season as HRI launches a targeted Christmas Appeal to help Prof McMullen’s team ramp up their work to the next phase.

“We know this biomarker is there and we are close to finding it, but it comes down to researchers getting time in the lab,” Prof McMullen said.

“By donating, individuals can fund essential laboratory resources and high-tech equipment, accelerating the availability of life-changing treatments for those in need, said Prof McMullen.

The Times Features

How to Style the Pantone Color of the Year 2025 - Mocha Mousse

The Pantone Color of the Year never fails to set the tone for the coming year's design, fashion, and lifestyle trends. For 2025, Pantone has unveiled “Mocha Mousse,” a rich a...

How the Aussie summer has a profound effect on 'Climate Cravings’

Weather whiplash describes the rollercoaster-like shifts in weather we’ve experienced this summer —a blazing hot day one moment, followed by an unexpectedly chilly or rainy tur...

The heart research that could save fit and healthy Australians

Australians are now one step closer to being able to check that their heart is in working condition with a simple blood test. Leading scientists at the Heart Research Institu...

Top Tips for Preventative Maintenance of Gas Hot Water Systems

Regularly maintaining gas hot water systems is crucial for households and businesses. Not only does it ensure a steady supply of hot water, but it also guarantees the system ru...

Where nature meets beauty: Bioten launches next-gen skincare line in Australia

Naturally inspired and backed by science; Bioten is fast becoming the must-have daily skincare routine in Australia. Having traversed the globe to hydrate and cleanse Aussie skin...

Christmas can be challenging for people with hearing loss. Here are 7 ways you can help

For many people, Christmas can be the most social time of the year. The holiday period is often filled with parties, lunches, dinners and celebrations of all kinds with family...

Times Magazine

The right stuff: 5 essential data discovery traits to look out for

It is a business-intelligence system that allows companies to receive detailed, highly interactive information from a variety of data sources. As opposed to standard business-intelligence, data mining focuses on big picture trends with a less str...

Interview with author Christian White. His latest book The Ledge is out now

What inspired you to write the book? I’d always wanted to write a coming-of-age thriller. The book started as a love letter to all the coming-of-age books and movies that shaped me as a teenager: Lord of The Flies, It, The Body / Stand By Me, The ...

Unleash the Fun: Why Interactive Toys Are Essential for Your Cat

Cats are playfully inclined animals with their curiosity being heightened by their natural drive to play. However, the act of having to find ways and means of keeping them occupied indoors eventually could be a daunting task. Thus, even using frequ...

Simplify Your Business With Advanced Payroll Services

Advanced payroll services are an invaluable tool for businesses of all sizes. They offer a comprehensive suite of payroll solutions that streamline the process of managing employee pay and taxes, while also providing employers with real-time data a...

RMIT Online partners with Adobe and Merkle

RMIT Online partners with Adobe and Merkle to create a course to accelerate careers with graphic design principles, capabilities, and industry-leading tools within a flexible, digital delivery environment. The online arm of RMIT University is la...

Some Tips For Buying The Right Pair Of Sneakers

The old saying goes "Never judge a book by its cover". This august wisdom applies to a lot more things in life than just books, including today's topic, sneakers. It's easy to be charmed by clever designs, bright colours, and blingy glitz, but it's...

LayBy Shopping