Take the road to a healthy heart this World Heart Day

Heart disease and stroke are the world’s two leading causes of death, claiming 17.3 million lives annually. In Australia, heart disease is the number one killer. 

The importance of a life-long approach to prevention and control of cardiovascular disease is the focus of World Heart Day in 2013 – mobilising people to take the road to a healthy heart.

Researchers at The George Institute for Global Health are committed to driving innovation in heart disease treatment, preventing repeat heart attacks, identifying ways to lower cardiovascular disease risk factors in developing countries, and finding ways to improve health outcomes for Australians living with heart disease.

Cardiologist Clara Chow of The George Institute and The University of Sydney, highlights the importance of ongoing patient care.

“Once a patient leaves hospital following a heart attack, ongoing care and support is essential in ensuring the patient retains their good health and stays out of hospital. To have the best chance of recovery, patients must be supported to understand that heart disease is a chronic condition that needs to be managed each and every day.

World Heart Day banner

“The George Institute’s technology-focused programs provide the often missing link between patient understanding and practice,” Professor Chow says.

Two such programs, ‘TEXTME’ and ‘TEXTMEDS’ are currently being developed to assist in heart disease management. Both projects investigate the effectiveness of sending simple automated text message reminders in order to decrease cardiovascular risk in patients. The intervention aims to improve adherence to medication, through lifestyle and behavioural change.

The George Institute advocates for positive, proactive heart health and celebrates World Heart Day with the global population on Sunday 29 September 2013

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