Media Release

University of Adelaide cardiologists Professor Stephen Worthley and Professor Prash Sanders. Photo by Randy Larcombe. Full Image (169.63K)

Monday, 13 September 2010

New treatments for Australia's biggest killer - heart disease - will be discussed at the University of Adelaide tomorrow night.

Leading cardiologist Professor Stephen Worthley will present new research on stem cell therapies and minimally-invasive alternatives to open heart surgery when he delivers the University's monthly Research Tuesdays seminar.

Professor Worthley, the inaugural Helpman Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Adelaide, says obesity and an ageing population are contributing to heart, stroke and blood vessel diseases.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia, accounting for about 34% of all deaths in 2006 - killing one person every 10 minutes.

"It also reduces quality of life for about 1.4 million Australians," Professor Worthley says.

In his presentation he will discuss new research and cutting-edge clinical work being performed at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and the University of Adelaide.

"We face increasing age and obesity dilemmas in Australia and we need to curb these if we are to reduce heart disease," he says.

WHAT: "Work of Heart" Research Tuesdays seminar

WHERE: Horace Lamb Lecture Theatre, University of Adelaide, North Terrace Campus

WHEN: 5.30pm-6.30pm, Tuesday 14 September, 2010

BOOKINGS: Call 8303 3692 or email: research.tuesdays@adelaide.edu.au

Research Tuesdays is a monthly series of public lectures at the University of Adelaide designed to provide an opportunity for leading researchers to engage with business and community leaders about pressing issues of the day.