Most of the research funded by the Heart Foundation Research Program is described as ‘investigator initiated’. This means that the researchers decide what area to work on and any research relevant to heart, stroke and blood vessel disease will be considered. The Strategic Research Program, however, provides funding for research in priority areas specified by the Heart Foundation. It is designed to fund research relevant to a specific research question, health problem, risk population, or for capacity building.

Cardiovascular Disease and Depression Strategic Research Program

The first theme of research offered by the Strategic Research Program (with funding commencing in 2008 and again in 2009) was Cardiovascular Disease and Depression. The Heart Foundation and beyondblue: the national depression initiative partnered to fund strategic research in this area. This partnership aims to build research capacity and to contribute to better understanding of the links between depression and cardiovascular disease.

Outcomes from the second round of funding

The Heart Foundation and beyondblue: the national depression initiative, are investing another $2.85 million in research to investigate the relationship between depression and heart disease.

In 2009, the partnership will fund four new projects looking at diverse areas:

Professor Ian Hickie will study the effects of an internet intervention program on depressive symptoms in patients who are already being treated for cardiovascular disease.

Dr Xin Liu, from The University of Queensland, is conducting a trial to evaluate further the effectiveness of tai chi in improving depression and metabolic syndrome in depressed adults at risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Dr Wendy Oddy is investigating the complex relationships between depression and cardiovascular disease and the influence of diet by looking at a study of 2,868 Western Australian children and their families.

Laureate Professor Rob Sanson-Fisher will examine the effectiveness of a systems-based approach to improving the detection and management of depression and lifestyle risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Outcomes from the first round of funding

The Heart Foundation and beyondblue were delighted to announce the funding results of the first round of the Cardiovascular Disease and Depression Strategic Research Program. Many high-quality applications were received in response to the call for applications in this area. The following three applications were successful in gaining funding:

Professor David Hare and his project The Melbourne Depression in Heart Failure Collaborative – Medication Trial

Professor Annette Dobson and her project Depression and cardiovascular disease in a cohort of mid-aged Australian women

Dr Geoffrey Schrader and his project Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for symptoms of depression in cardiovascular disease