The impact of our research
From lab-grown hearts to vitamin D trials, QIMR Berghofer is leading revolutionary cardiovascular disease research.
In a QIMR Berghofer lab, we’re growing tiny, man-made hearts. They’re so small that they’re hard to see with the naked eye. But they have the potential to revolutionise how heart drugs are developed in the future. This is a world-first, using bioengineered (lab-grown) human heart muscle to screen heart regeneration drugs.
Our researchers have identified some of the ways COVID-19 damages the heart. Most importantly, they’ve identified a class of drugs that could potentially protect or reverse this cardiac injury.
We’re more at risk of a heart attack as we age, which is why the findings from a major QIMR Berghofer clinical trial are so critical. The D-Health Trial has found that vitamin D supplements could prevent heart attacks in over 60s.
About cardiovascular disease
Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease (CVD), is not a single disease, but a group of disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels.
These conditions include heart attack, heart failure, stroke, coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and more.
The cardiovascular system is also called the circulatory system. It includes the heart and all the blood vessels – arteries, veins, and capillaries – that move blood around the body.
While cardiovascular disease can affect people of all ages, it’s more common as we get older. You’re more at risk of developing CVD if you:
- eat an unhealthy diet of fast food, sugary snacks, and food high in salt
- don’t get enough exercise. The Australian Government suggests 30–45 minutes five or more days a week
- smoke which damages blood vessels
- have high blood pressure, which puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels
- have high cholesterol, which leads to plaque building up in arteries
- are diabetic
- have a family history of heart disease.
The symptoms of cardiovascular disease can vary depending on the specific condition, but can include:
- chest pain or discomfort: this is often called angina and feels like pressure, tightness, or pain in the chest
- shortness of breath: you might feel breathless even during light activities or while resting
- fatigue: feeling very tired, even with normal activities, can be a sign of heart problems
- dizziness or fainting: if your heart isn't pumping blood effectively, you might feel dizzy or even faint
- swelling: fluid buildup can cause swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
- rapid or irregular heartbeat: your heart might beat too fast, too slow, or in an irregular pattern.
Cardiovascular disease treatment can vary, depending on which condition you have and its severity. Some common treatments include:
- lifestyle changes: you can significantly improve heart health by adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing stress
- medications: doctors might prescribe medications to control blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, or help the heart pump more effectively
- medical procedures: in some cases, a medical procedure might be necessary. An angioplasty opens blocked arteries, while bypass surgery reroutes blood flow around blocked arteries
- cardiac rehabilitation: a personalised cardiac rehab program could help you recover from heart-related procedures and improve your overall heart health
- regular check-ups: managing CVD requires regular check-ups, and following your doctor’s advice.