Researchers at Monash University, which has its largest campuses in Caulfield and Clayton, have recently been awarded $1.4 million for clinical trials that will focus on how a person’s DNA determines their risk of developing heart disease.
The trial is the first of its kind and will examine the DNA of patients who have previously been diagnosed with this condition. The aim is to find better ways to control their disease with effective medicines known as statins.
The trial will be led by Professor Stephen Nicholls and will operate from the Victorian Heart Hospital, which is due to open in 2022. Professor Nicholls will gather a team of Monash researchers from to work on cardiovascular solutions to address prevention, management and treatment of the disease.
While Professor Nicholls acknowledges that smoking, a poor diet and lack of exercise are risk factors, he believes that DNA has hidden clues that can give further answers to genetic risks.
The DA VINCI trial, as it has been named, will study 600 patients from across 15 sites in Australia with the hope that they will be able to personalise and target patients’ treatments to obtain a better result and to improve the future of cardiovascular treatment countrywide. Graphic design may be used by organisations to document results and create reports regarding their findings.
With almost one in four Australians estimated to have heart disease, this ground-breaking trial will provide meaningful change for those suffering with cardiovascular disease and those most at risk.
