Expert Opinion Pieces
We pick the brains of over 200 scientists, doctors and experts from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute on hot topics, issues in the health and science space, tips for heart prevention, career advice and more.
18 articles
How does smoking affect the heart
03 May 2024
Smoking damages blood vessels, speeds up the formation of plaque in the coronary arteries and doubles the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Understanding why some families are prone to ‘big hearts’
19 January 2024
Prof Livia Hool has been working for over 15 years to try to answer one question: what causes some people to develop big hearts or HCM
Drinking and heart health
06 September 2023
Our Experts decipher the mixed messages we receive when it comes to alcohol and heart health.
Fibre: good for your gut and your heart
13 June 2023
Fibre not only plays a crucial role in keeping your digestive system happy, it is essential component of a heart-friendly diet.
Why the Mediterranean diet still matters
07 February 2023
While other diets come and go, this is one way of eating that continues to be the gold standard for heart health - ranked best diet of 2023.
How sleep can impact heart health
13 January 2023
What the latest research tells us about sleep's important role in maintaing a healthy heart
Short bursts of physical activity during daily life may lower risk of premature death
13 December 2022
Data from recent studies has shown that you don’t need a lengthy workout to get health benefits from exercise.
Rainbow of fruit and vegetables
25 November 2022
We’re told to ‘eat a rainbow’ of fruit and vegetables. Here’s what each colour does in our body
Link between red meat and heart disease
14 October 2022
Does eating red meat raise your risk of heart disease? Learn more about how and why red meat can impact your heart health.
Can being stressed damage your heart?
10 October 2022
It’s hard to avoid feeling stressed in our busy lives, as to whether if affect our heart health, the answer it seems is complicated.
Salt and the Heart
04 August 2022
How does salt in our food and diet affect our hearts? How much should we be having?
Misconceptions about Heart Disease and Women
06 April 2022
Victor Chang Institute’s Prof Livia Hool shares the latest advice on what women can do to take care of the heart health
The science on 10,000 steps a day
17 September 2021
We take a look at the research behind the question - do you need 10,000 steps a day and what are the benefits?
Tips on writing a successful research grant
15 October 2020
Our Research Grants Officer, Naomi Arbon, has written this guide for scientists and researchers on how best to apply for a research grant
Heart and Soul - A Tribute to Professor Bob Graham
01 September 2020
Read about the remarkable career of Bob Graham who steps down as founding Executive Director of the Institute after 25 years
Opinion Piece: We can't let our kids die young - Prof Bob Graham
24 January 2018
Read this opinion piece on how urgent action is required to prolong the lives of a generation faced with 'diabesity'.
Acknowledgement of Country
The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
