Bulletin #0099
SUMMER 2019
Research into blood pressure and obesity receives welcome boost Shedding light on how obesity from childhood to midlife is linked to later life risks of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, and using exercise to improve the identification of abnormal blood pressure, is the focus of two Menzies researchers to receive Heart Foundation Fellowship Funding. The fellowships support Dr Jing Tian and Dr Martin Schultz, who were among 67 successful recipients announced recently by the Heart Foundation. Dr Schultz received close to $540,000 as part of a Future Leader Fellowship to look more closely at the benefits of using exercise to highlight blood pressure inconsistencies, which often go undetected in traditional assessments. “An abnormal blood pressure response to a clinical
Support: Dr Jing Tian and Dr Martin Schultz were among 67 successful recipients of Heart Foundation funding.
exercise test is a signal of high blood pressure that has gone undetected by traditional assessments undertaken at rest,” Dr Schultz said. “Despite this, the clinical value of exercise BP is not being fully realised. My research program aims to change this and improve the detection and management of high blood pressure.”
The clinical value of exercise BP is not being fully realised. My research program aims to change this and improve the detection and management of high blood pressure.
Dr Schultz said the funding was a great support to continue this important research into improving the detection and management of high blood pressure; one of Tasmania’s (and the world’s) biggest health problems and a primary risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Dr Tian received close to $152,000 in funding as part of a Postdoctoral Fellowship to research the predictors and cardiometabolic risks associated with different obesity trajectories over the life course from childhood. The research will use long-term population data to look closely at how obesity tracks from childhood to midlife, the importance of this to future heart and blood vessel disease risks, and the predisposing factors to these trajectories. Most importantly it may help identify intervention opportunities where people on a high-risk weight trajectory could be diverted to a healthier path.
Summer Appeal
HELP US HELP THOSE LIVING WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS Tasmania is well known for its clean, green image and enviable lifestyle – but sadly, not everyone in our community gets to appreciate these benefits. In Tasmania we have the highest number of people in the country living with chronic disease and two or more illnesses. This puts increased pressure on our already struggling health system. With your support, we can focus on conditions that most
impact the lives of Tasmanians. In line with our vision at Menzies for a healthier Tasmania, our researchers led by Professor Tania Winzenberg, are focused on providing practical assistance to medical professionals treating patients with multiple medical conditions.
“This research will directly impact clinical practice and health policy in an area in tremendous need of improved care,” Professor Winzenberg said. By donating to our Summer Appeal you can support our researchers to assist GPs and other medical staff, to ensure their patients’ conditions are
HOW TO DONATE
managed in the best way possible. Together we can help reduce pressure on the struggling health system and improve lives. Making a donation to Menzies in support of our research is a direct way to make a positive impact. Please consider a gift today.
Go to the Donate tab at menzies.utas.edu.au, or return the donation slip attached to this Bulletin. You can also call 1800 638 124 or 03 6226 7700.
Menzies Bulletin Summer 2019
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