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May and June have been a powerful reminder of the collective efforts within the cardiovascular and stroke community, all working towards similar goals. During this period, we observed significant events such as Heart Health Week, Clinical Trials Week, Heart Failure Month, Men’s Health Week, the Big Squeeze, and World Hypertension Day.
Each of these initiatives raises awareness, highlights ongoing work, and underscores the challenges that still lie ahead. Witnessing these efforts is truly inspiring and fuels our passion for fostering alignment and collaboration among government, researchers, and the healthcare system.
We were particularly moved by the momentum and dedication of the National Hypertension Taskforce members during May Measurement Month and on World Hypertension Day. Established by ACvA and Hypertension Australia, the Taskforce aims to improve blood pressure control rates in Australia from 32% to 70% by 2030. Raising awareness and initiating community conversations about blood pressure are crucial steps towards this.
May Measurement Month is a global blood pressure screening campaign. As part of this initiative, blood pressure measurement checks were held across Australia. Our team was fortunate to participate in various events in Melbourne, Newcastle, and Wollongong, and it was great to see the Hunter Medical Research Institute hosting the event in their region for the first time. May Measurement Month continues throughout June and July, so keep an eye out for community events in your area.
You'll also notice that our newsletter format has been updated. We hope you enjoy the new layout and find it easier to navigate on your various devices. Please feel free to share any feedback with us at acva@ozheart.org. Kerry Doyle PSM OAM CEO, ACvA |
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Health Leadership Research Forum
The Health Leadership Research Forum (HLRF) is a key ACvA strategic initiative bringing together senior health leaders, peak bodies and researchers to prioritise cardiovascular and stroke research using the best available evidence. Chaired by ACvA President Professor Jason Kovacic, this forum is a government engagement platform and aims to bridge health systems and research communities. A primary focus of the HLRF is to establish harmonised clinical quality indicators for acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, and stroke to identify care variations, support continuous improvement, and address gaps and inequities where research can play a role.
At the recent meeting on 5 June, several key presentations were given: Drs Melisa Lau and Zhuoyang Li from eHealth Victoria introduced the Victorian Cardiovascular Dashboard, which was designed to share data and identify opportunities for improvement within Victoria's public health services. Professor Gemma Figtree discussed a joint internship project with NSW Health and the Agency for Clinical Innovation aimed at standardising clinical quality measures for coronary artery disease. Dr Lee Nedkoff highlighted findings from the Dubbo workshop focused on cardiovascular disease and stroke management in rural and remote areas. Professor Sandy Middleton presented on the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry, which monitors stroke care quality and outcomes across Australia. Professors Kim Greaves and Sze-Yuan Ooi discussed various dashboard research exemplars for prevention in primary care and improved management in acute care settings, respectively, demonstrating innovative approaches to monitoring and improving cardiovascular health outcomes.
The next steps will be further consultation with each jurisdiction with the aim to hold a national discussion later in the year.
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Tackling Heart & Stroke Inequities in Remote Areas
On 15 May, we were welcomed by blue skies in Dubbo for our workshop, Remoteness and CVD and Stroke in Australia: Connecting What's Counted & Understanding What Matters. The workshop brought together key stakeholders including government representatives, local clinical staff, researchers and individuals with lived experience of cardiovascular disease (CVD). |
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Inside Look: The Transformative Power of Mentorship
Mentorship has long been a cornerstone of professional growth, whether through formal programs or the natural mentorship that occurs when working closely with others. It provides vital support, fosters meaningful connections, and leaves a lasting impact on both the mentor and mentee.
For Dr. Janessa Pickering, the diversity of cross-sector participants in ACvA’s Mentorship Program was an irresistible draw. As a dedicated researcher at the Perth-based Telethon Kids Institute and a Board member of the Western Australian Cardiovascular Research Alliance (WACRA), she saw the program as a golden opportunity. |
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ACvA Membership Renewals It’s renewal time for Australian Cardiovascular Alliance (ACvA) memberships. Renewal reminders have already been sent to all current and lapsed members. To renew or rejoin, just follow the prompts in the email you received. For new members or those who didn’t get an email, follow the instructions HERE. If you have any problems with this process, please email us at acva@ozheart.org. |
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National Hypertension Summit
The inaugural
Hypertension Summit will be hosted by the National Hypertension Taskforce on 26 November in
Sydney. The Taskforce will be highlighting hypertension
research and innovation in Australia and internationally, identifying emerging
opportunities and challenges in the field and exploring the future of how to
increase current controls rates in Australia to 70% by 2030. |
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17th Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society Scientific Session 2024
Registrations are open for the 17th APHRS Scientific Sessions in Sydney, 26-29 September 2024. This milestone event, returning to Australia for the first time in nearly a decade, will bring together over 2,500 cardiologists and electrophysiology physicians from around the world to explore cutting-edge advancements in arrhythmia care.
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SECTOR ACTIVITIES & UPDATES
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As members, you are the ACvA, so please let us know if you have any cardiovascular and stroke research news, events, jobs or training which you’d like to share. Email nina.cullen@ozheart.org
Tag us in your posts so we can help spread the word:
@OzCvA (Twitter) @Australian Cardiovascular Alliance (LinkedIn) |
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