Program looks to improve frailty in cardiovascular patients

The condition increases a patient's vulnerability to accidents and falls, leading to longer stays in hospital, poorer quality-of-life and a strain on the health system.

Cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease and heart valve disease, is a global health issue affecting about 17 percent of the Australian population and costing the economy $5 billion each year, more than any other disease.

University of Wollongong and Western Sydney Local Health District academic Dr Julee McDonagh has been awarded more than $650,000 by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to explore multiple interventions, such as physical activity, nutritional supplementation and psychosocial support that may improve frailty in adults with CVD.

Dr McDonagh will lead a project based at Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospitals and will follow patients' progress over six months of interventions.

"Working as a nurse for many years and caring for people with heart disease, I witnessed firsthand the devastating effects frailty can have on people," Dr McDonagh said.

"This five-year fellowship will allow me to continue my program of research focused on improving health outcomes for people with cardiovascular disease," said Dr McDonagh.