How did you fix my heart? - Heart Research Australia

Take Heart newsletter

October 2009

How did you fix my heart? The trauma of having a heart attack is enough to handle, let alone getting your head around the treatment. Interventional cardiologist Dr Ravinay Bhindi tells us a little about treating heart attacks, his role at Royal North Shore Hospital and the rewards and challenges that come with the job.

Dr Ravinay Bhindi is one of five interventional cardiologists at Royal North Shore Hospital, and one of the researchers the Foundation supports.

Through his current research, Dr Bhindi hopes to understand why in 50% of cases veins that have been grafted during by-pass surgery block off after 10 years. This knowledge will potentially help design a treatment to prevent the problem, increasing the life expectancy of by-pass surgery patients, and reducing the risks involved for those who need surgery again later on. Dr Bhindi completed his medical degree and PhD at the University of Sydney. Before joining Royal North Shore Hospital earlier this year, he was based at John Radcliffe Hospital, at Oxford University in the UK, where he completed a postdoctoral fellowship.

What does an interventional cardiologist do? An interventional cardiologist treats cardiovascular diseases, such as angina and coronary disease, with medical procedures involving catheters (tubes that can be inserted into an artery). It is a minimally invasive form of treatment used, for example, to unblock arteries causing a heart attack. How does a heart attack happen? Heart attacks happen when there is a sudden blockage (a clot) in one of the coronary arteries. As these supply blood to the heart muscle, a blockage can cause irreparable damage to the heart muscle. This can lead to disability and even death. How do you treat a heart attack? Interventional cardiologists treat heart attacks with a medical procedure called an angioplasty. At hospitals that aren’t equipped to do this, clot-busting medications may be used to help open the artery. Many of these patients are then transferred to us for angioplasty. What’s an angioplasty? It involves mechanically unblocking the artery that is causing the heart attack. First we do an angiogram (an x-ray of the coronary arteries around the heart) to identify which artery is blocked. Then, we unblock the artery by removing any clot that may be present, and inflating a balloon in the artery. Finally we insert a stent (a small piece of steel mesh) to help keep the artery open. Is this available at every hospital? No. At Royal North Shore we perform this treatment 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with a team always on stand-by. In an emergency, heart-attack patients from hospitals across Sydney’s northern region and the central coast are referred directly to us for treatment. Continued on next page

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A note from Derek Like most Australian charities, our Foundation has felt the impact of the current economic climate. Like many, we have worked hard to minimise the effects of the downturn, while still meeting our commitment to fund a substantial number of heart researchers and their most promising projects. Despite the downturn, we have managed to balance our position by drawing modestly from our reserves and judiciously reducing costs. And, remarkably, this year’s financial support towards heart research reached just over $2 million – the highest level in the Foundation’s 23-year history. Knowing that our family of supporters continues to rally to our regular fundraising appeals and lotteries, gives us confidence to plan for the future – which is so necessary to ensure that the long-term aspirations of our researchers can be sustained. All of us at the Foundation are grateful for whatever you give. That you continue to donate is the greatest encouragement for us in our effort to fight heart disease. Thank you. Until next time, enjoy this issue.

Derek Minett, CEO PS Please share your feedback about our newsletter and articles. We’d love to know what you enjoy and find interesting. Email us at [email protected] Disclaimer: While due care is taken in the preparation of articles, the information contained in this newsletter is not intended as specific medical advice, and should be used as a guide only. Consult your doctor or healthcare professional before following any health advice.

Cover article continued How does heart-attack treatment today compare to 10 years ago? The improvements are numerous and tremendous – both the way heart attacks are treated and in the technology and medication used. For example, back then, heart-attack patients were in hospital for a week at least. Today, if patients are admitted in a timely manner, they generally go home within three days. How many patients do you see a week? This varies. On days where I do consultations I see around 20 patients. On days in the operating theatre, we operate on around eight patients a day, ranging from emergency cases to pre-booked operations. What’s your most common advice to patients? Coronary heart disease doesn’t develop overnight – but over decades. Reduce your risk of heart disease with the right lifestyle choices, especially if you have a

Shop for a good cause Need ideas for Christmas? Or a last-minute present? Try a gift with a good cause. Every time you shop at Big Gift, part of the proceeds goes to life-saving heart research funded by the Foundation. Big Gift offers over 1800 products, including toys, homewares, top branded cookware, jewellery – some with up to 50% off the recommended retail price. Go to www.biggift.com.au/northshore Special offer! Get $20 off your next Big Gift purchase with this voucher code: NORTHSHORE2. Simply enter the code when you are prompted during the payment process. Offer valid until 30 January 2010.

Instant giving You can now donate securely online! www.heartresearch.com.au

Heart tip In an emergency, always call 000. Don’t wait or consider driving to hospital. You’ll put yourself at more risk.

family history. Make sure to do regular aerobic exercise, to keep an eye on your cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and to lose weight if you are overweight.

What’s the most rewarding part of your work? As a cardiologist, it’s developing relationships with patients, being a part of their journey, and knowing that you are making a difference to their lives. As a researcher, it’s being at the forefront of testing novel ideas and challenging new frontiers of science.

And the most challenging? As a cardiologist, it’s seeing people unexpectedly die, or treatment not working. The very nature of a heart attack is that it’s unexpected – often, it’s the middle of the night and the family is in shock; it’s very real and emotional. As a researcher, it’s achieving great things with limited resources.

Under the microscope with Alvaro Garcia Alvaro Garcia, a University of Sydney graduate, is one of the researchers supported by the Foundation and has been working with Professor Helge Rasmussen for six and a half years. Before joining the cardiac research team at Royal North Shore Hospital, he worked at the ANZAC Research Institute, and at Liverpool Hospital in Sydney. The research I do will help... people who suffer from heart failure. The goal of this research is… to understand how to regulate the sodium potassium pump in heart cells. We believe that this pump is impaired in people suffering heart failure and that, if we can find a way to fix this, we may be able to improve their life expectancy and quality of life. When people ask me what I do I say... scientific research. I wish had... more time to spend with my family. To unwind at the end of the day I... exercise or play sport. My favourite comedy is...The Office (the British version). I like to read... about everything and anything. When I was a child I wanted to... be a scientist, funnily enough. What motivates me is... hoping one day something I do will make a difference to someone’s life. A person I admire is... Mark Jimenez (a former colleague), who told me to KISS (keep it simple stupid). I always treat myself to... food, the second love of my life. The biggest challenge with research is... stretching the limited resources we work with to get the maximum benefit.

Founders’ Society members look to the future Members of the Foundation’s Founders’ Society* attended a morning tea on Wednesday 9 September, hosted by our Chairman, Ray Knight. He presented each member with a Certificate of Appreciation for their dedication to the future of the Foundation and its goals. ‘I cannot express enough the value of legacies and bequests to the Foundation,’ he said. ‘Aside from the tangible difference these make to the fight against heart disease, they also help tremendously in building our long-term commitment to heart research.’ Ray Knight shared the sad news that Founders’ Society member Doreen Perry had recently passed away, and he acknowledged the wonderful gift from her estate. Guests also saw first-hand the inner workings of the cardiac research laboratories, where they heard from Professor Helge Rasmussen about his current research. * The Founders’ Society is a special group of supporters who have remembered the Foundation in their Will.

Doreen Lila Perry 1919–2008

Thank you to all those far-sighted supporters who have included the North Shore Heart Research Foundation in their Will. If you would like information about becoming a Founders’ Society Member or wish to discuss in confidence your bequest intentions please call CEO Derek Minett on 02 9436 0056 or email [email protected]

Did you know?

50% of Australians have at least one risk factor for heart disease. The main risks are: being overweight, family history, age, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, and physical inactivity.

Back in 1997, the standard treatment for unblocking arteries was slowacting, clot-busting medication. Professor Helge Rasmussen and Dr Gregory Nelson, interventional cardiologists at Royal North Shore, believed that using stents might be a more effective treatment. With support from the Foundation, they set up a 24/7 emergency service for heart-attack patients at Royal North Shore and Westmead hospitals to test their theory.

There are some things you can’t control – like family history – but you can reduce your risk of heart disease and manage your heart health with the right lifestyle choices. For tips on how to manage the risks, visit the heart health pages of our website: www.heartresearch.com.au

The results were remarkable, setting new international standards. Heart-attack mortality rates dropped from 30% to 8% at Royal North Shore. Clot-busting drugs are no longer used at the hospital. Learn more at www.heartreseach.com.au/ourwork

Heart tip

Time out for women With heart disease the number one killer of women in Australia, this year’s Women’s Heart Lunch, now in its sixth year, was all about taking a break from our busy schedules to recognise women’s heart health.

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120 guests from across Sydney joined us for lunch on 11 September to show their support. Guest speaker Patrice Newell, who is a bio-dynamic farmer, author, and food columnist for Notebook: magazine, talked about how moving from city to farm life brought her happiness and a whole new way of living. ‘Happiness and generosity of spirit are good for your health; this is what drives my choices in life,’ said Patrice. The event was held at Dedes Restaurant, at the Sydney Rowing Club in Abbotsford. A huge thank you to everyone who attended or who kindly made a donation in lieu of attending.

s to guests Patrice talk perience e ex about her lif

Thank you

The Women’s Heart Lunch would not have been possible without the generosity and support of: Dedes Restaurant, Watershed Premium Wines, Pandora Greenwood Plaza, Lexus of Chatswood, Big Gift, Notebook: magazine, E-string Bags, Penguin Group, Mr Fothergill’s, L’Occitane en Provence, Nati Roses, Gillian Adams Salon & Spa, and Lazy Tulip. And especially: Patrice Newell, Lori Farrar, Lynne Ravenhall, Fiona Taylor, Sally-Anne Banek, Kerrie Dedes, Phyllis Knight and Judith Adam.

Based at Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital, the nationally recognised Cardiovascular Education Centre conducts rehabilitation and lifestyle education programs for people who have been diagnosed with a cardiac condition or who are at high risk of developing heart disease. If you meet the above criteria and are motivated to adopt some lifestyle changes to improve your heart health, contact the Centre for more information on 02 9926 6560 or 02 9926 8286. Please also discuss this with your GP. For people who are living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, the centre runs a special support group, also open to friends or family. For more information contact Ann Kirkness on 02 9926 6560. (A special thanks to sponsors St Jude, Biotronik, Medtronic and Boston Scientific for their support.) The Foundation is proud to provide financial support to the North Shore Cardiovascular Education Centre

Did you know?

In Australia, around 30 women and 30 men die a day from heart disease* – that’s more than from cancer. For tips on how to reduce your risk of heart disease visit our website: www. heartresearch.com.au/healthy-living *Australian Bureau of Statistics Causes of Death 2007

Our Corporate Partners in Heart Health

North Shore Heart Research Foundation gratefully acknowledges the generous contributions of our corporate supporters in 2009.

Dedes Restaurant • Holman Webb • The Creative Zoo • Mr Fothergill’s Australia • Watershed Wines

Mr Fothergill’s spring tip

Be summer savvy With summer at our door, there’s no better time to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. Here are some ways to make your summer heart-healthy: • Start a walking group with friends or swimming to add a bit of variety to your fitness regime. • When having a barbecue, cook fillets of salmon or trout and vegetable skewers instead of the usual steak and sausages. Make sure to keep the oil to an absolute minimum. • Remove the skin on chicken and turkey before you eat it. • Garden salad, fruit salad, salad in sandwiches, freshly squeezed juices … the list goes on. In summer, eating fruit and vegetables is easy! Make it your summer challenge to eat at least two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables a day. • With all the joy of Christmas, it’s easy to lose track of what we eat. Keep an eye on your salt intake and saturated fat levels, and don’t overeat or consume alcohol excessively – it can add an unnecessary burden to your heart. • Drink plenty of water – it’s recommended to have six to eight glasses a day. • A piece of fruit or a serve of low-fat yoghurt makes the perfect healthy snack on a hot day.

Ask the doctor

With Professor Geoffrey Tofler

I recently had a cardiac ultrasound because I was short of breath. My doctor said that the ultrasound was normal, but the report said I had ‘trivial mitral regurgitation’. Should I be concerned about this?

Hot summer days are fast approaching and nothing tantalises taste buds better than a tasty, crisp salad. And it will taste even better if you’ve grown it yourself. Now is a great time to plant beans, tomatoes, lettuce, potatoes and herbs. By summertime you’ll be enjoying delicious fresh salads and vegetable dishes.

Tuna delight

This salad not only looks and tastes great, it’s full of goodness and is low in fat.

Ingredients 425 g tuna in spring water, flaked 2 eggs, hardboiled and quartered 1 cup cooked green beans, frozen or fresh 2 tomatoes, quartered 3 new potatoes, steamed and quartered (cold) ½ small red onion, finely sliced Lettuce leaves Low-fat creamy dill dressing

Blanch beans in boiling water until tender but still crisp. Refresh in ice water. Place lettuce in a low bowl or plate, add beans, potatoes, tuna and onion. Arrange tomatoes and eggs on top. Drizzle with dressing to serve.

Low-fat creamy dill dressing 1 shallot, finely sliced ½ cup non-fat cottage cheese 2 tbsp low-fat mayonnaise ¼ cup low-fat milk 2 tbsp finely chopped dill ¼ tsp grated lemon rind Blend all ingredients in food processor until smooth. Add seasoning to taste. Special thanks to Mr Fothergill’s for this recipe.

It is quite common for small leaks (regurgitation) to occur through a heart valve, such that when the valve opens and shuts, it doesn’t fully seal. Although valves are very impressive in their general function and reliability, they are not machine-made. Fortunately, in contrast to severe forms, trivial regurgitation will not cause any extra strain on the heart, and is most unlikely to get worse. The ultrasound, which is a very useful test, can look closely at the appearance of the valves as well as heart function, and the doctor’s assessment is reassuring. However, the ultrasound is just one test, and the doctor will need to factor that into the assessment of why you are short of breath.

Serves 3

ou to Thank y itional tr u N the ent at Departm e rth Shor o Royal N is th l for Hospita tion. a m r info Nutritional info per serve Serving size about 450 mL Energy 1538 kj (368 kcal) Protein 42 g Total fat 10.7 g (saturated fat: 3.3 g)

Carbohydrate 25 g Sugars 8 g Dietary fibre: 5.7 g Sodium: 324 mg

ea rt h y h w n r a e l o Wa nt t ny a g e ? a t a t n a t r o p hea lth is so im Come along to the Be fit for life forum and be inspired by simple ideas to stay active and keep your heart healthy. Heart disease isn’t something that develops overnight – but over many years. The lifestyle choices we make as early as our 20s can affect our long-term health. Being fit for life is all about being healthy and active and staying that way – no matter how busy you are, and whatever your age, gender, or individual abilities.

Finding it ha rd to get fit? Wond what exercise suits you? ering When and where

9.30 am–3 pm Saturday 21 November 2009 Kolling Building, Royal North Shore Hospital

Tickets $50 per person (includes morning tea and lunch)

Booking s e ssentiitaedl ! S pace s a reseliatm , call Vanessa To reserve your or book online on 02 9436 0056 ch.com.au sear at www.heartre

On the day There will be a dynamic line-up of speakers, exercise demonstrations and information booths. I’ve reached my five-year anniversary! Chris Russell, a judge on ABC TV’s The New Inventors, will talk about surviving a heart attack at 52, and what’s helped him stay fit and healthy since. Why should I exercise, and how do I stay motivated? Laura Hood, exercise physiologist, will give advice on why fitness is important for all ages. But I still have ages to worry about my heart, don’t I? Dr Edward Barin, cardiologist, will talk about why it’s so important to look after your heart at any age, with his top tips on how.

B e f i t fo r l i f e Ideas to inspire in association with

And more! For the full program visit our website: www.heartresearch.com.au

About North Shore Heart Research Foundation North Shore Heart Research Foundation supports research into the treatment and prevention of heart disease and associated medical conditions. Our goal is to reduce the devastating impact of the disease on the community.

For more information on how you can help Phone: 1800 999 060 Fax: 02 9436 0058 Email: [email protected] Mail: PO Box 543, St. Leonards, NSW 1590 www.heartresearch.com.au ABN 62 002 839 072

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Your address for us to post your lottery ticket numbers and donation receipt to: Postcode Post this form to: North Shore Heart Research Foundation PO Box 543, St Leonards, NSW 1590 Fax to 02 9436 0058 Buy securely online at www.heartresearch.com.au ‘Take Heart’ Lottery L091 closes closes 14 December 2009. Drawn Friday 18 December. The winner will be notified by phone and mail, and details published on our website www.heartresearch.com.au. All net proceeds support the North Shore Heart Research Foundation.

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 Please send me information about making provision for the North Shore Heart Research Foundation in my Will  I have already made provision for the Foundation in my Will and would like to join The Founders’ Society Post this form to: North Shore Heart Research Foundation PO Box 543, St Leonards, NSW 1590 Fax to 02 9436 0058 To donate by phone call 1800 999 060 Donate securely online at www.heartresearch.com.au

Donations of $2 and over are tax deductible. Your privacy is important to us. If you do not wish to receive information from us, please telephone 1800 999 060. ABN 62 002 839 072