Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Research
A heavy Christmas lunch, an argument or even smoke from a bushfire may seem harmless, but for people at risk of heart disease, they could be deadly. A study is investigating how emotional stress, pollution, chest infections, and large meals can trigger heart attacks in vulnerable people, and importantly, how to manage those triggers in the moment. Royal North Shore Hospital cardiologist and Kolling Institute researcher Professor Geoffrey Tofler is leading the clinical trial, which is testing whether taking aspirin or beta blockers at the time of a trigger can help prevent cardiac events. New study tests how stress and big meals can trigger a heart attack
During the trial, participants will use an app to log symptoms and receive stress-reduction advice.
Professor Geoff Tofler and his research team
Professor Tofler, who has researched heart attacks for close to 40 years, says the science tells us that some heart attacks aren’t random. “If people are aware of the triggers, there’s something they can do about them,” he said. Three sites are involved in the trial including Royal North Shore Hospital, North Shore Private and Westmead Hospitals.
Participants must have at least two risk factors for heart disease – such as high cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking or diabetes – or known heart disease. “If you’ve just had an argument or know you’re heading into a big meal, the app helps you act,” says Geoffrey.
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