National heart foundation: A new millennium initiative — where could new dollars go?

Abstract

A hypothetical, anonymous donation of $6 million for research has provided the National Heart Foundation with an opportunity to consider its most effective potential use. A broad-brush approach would aim to make better use of Australia's intellectual resources and of patient and general populations in Australasia. With Australia's strength in epidemiology, clinical research and population genetics, the Foundation would be well positioned to initiate large-scale genetic studies for multiple-cause (genetic and environmental) diseases such as familial hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and coronary artery disease or stroke in the young. In addition, extra funds would mean that a greater collaborative effort could be fostered in the conduct of clinical trials, allowing clinicians to initiate (rather than be passive participants in) national and international trials addressing important questions in the areas of heart disease and stroke. Trials could include issues of screening, nutritional and drug management, invasive and surgical interventions and different patterns of care in primary practice. In aboriginal and other disadvantaged groups, priority should be given to population studies involving testing of primary and secondary preventative measures to improve cardiovascular health. Overlying all these proposals is a need to promote much greater collaboration between researchers of different disciplines.