Heart Disease

Atherosclerosis

Professor David Celermajer and his team have made major discoveries and advances in the field of atherosclerosis research, at the molecular and cellular level, in human physiology research and in clinical trials. The aims of the research program, funded by The Medical Foundation, have been directed towards the early detection and prevention of atherosclerosis, which remains the chief cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia and the developed world, and has a rapidly increasing prevalence in the developing world.

Professor Celermajer’s research has had a major influence in determining public policy concerning passive smoking in the workplace in several countries, and has led to the greater understanding of cellular processes, and to defining factors that might reverse early vascular damage associated with cigarette smoking.

Other research has demonstrated that the male sex hormone androgens could accelerate atherosclerosis in males, and explain the gender difference in heart disease in the community.

Important research on the effect of nitric oxide on high blood pressure in the lungs in children with congenital heart disease, after they have had surgery, has provided for an important advance in the intensive care of these children.