Leading cardiologist Professor André La Gerche unveils latest advances in cardiac research

SVI was proud to host supporters, professionals and members of the medical community for Heart Health Matters: An Evening with Professor André La Gerche.

André is one of Australia’s leading cardiovascular researchers and Head of the Heart, Exercise and Research Trials (HEART) Lab, which is also supported by the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute. André underscored the importance of heart health in overall wellbeing in his delivery of the Lab’s latest breakthroughs.

The presentation explored how high-level endurance exercise impacts heart health, particularly in athletes. He highlighted that atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder where the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly and out of sync with the lower chambers, is up to 7 times more common in endurance athletes than in the general population. His team found that a combination of clinical signs and genetic risk scores can help identify athletes at higher risk for atrial fibrillation earlier.

André also discussed his team’s world-leading research on female athletes’ hearts, cardiac inflammation, and other complex conditions, emphasising the importance of tailored cardiovascular care in sport.

The research highlights the need for targeted screening and early intervention in endurance athletes at risk of heart rhythm disorders. The HEART Lab is paving the way for more personalised approaches to heart health, ensuring that the benefits of exercise are maximised while potential risks are better managed.

Kathleen Lambrick, Head of Fundraising at SVI, noted that the event was a rare opportunity for attendees to engage directly with cutting-edge science that’s shaping the future of cardiovascular care.

“We were thrilled by the turnout and the enthusiasm shown by our guests. Events like this help bridge the gap between our research and the community, and that connection is vital to our mission.”

For more information on future events or to support cardiovascular research at SVI, please contact Kathleen Lambrick at [email protected]