At the heart of the matter ... Associate Professor Chris Pemberton.
The Christchurch Heart Institute has joined forces with Ryman Healthcare and the Heart Foundation in a three-year clinical research study to identify the prevalence of heart disease in Ryman Healthcare retirement villages.
The institute is a leading cardiovascular research group based at the University of Otago, Christchurch campus.
About 1000 volunteer residents from a range of Ryman retirement villages around the country will take part in clinical data collection including testing for signs of heart disease.
University of Otago Christchurch School of Medicine.
This national research study has been made possible by Ryman Healthcare's annual selection of a major charity partner for its fund-raising. The Heart Foundation was chosen this year, with Ryman agreeing to fund the establishment of the Heart Foundation Clinical Fellowship, which in turn will fund the Christchurch Heart Institute's (CHI's) clinical research at Ryman facilities.
CHI Associate Professor Chris Pemberton says, the institute “is excited to collaborate with Ryman and the Heart Foundation on this project. The spectrum and nature of cardiovascular disease in aged care/retirement facilities in New Zealand is not well understood and we are delighted to bring our recognized expertise in CVD (cardiovascular disease) to serve the residents in Ryman facilities and provide further support to their high standard of care.”
The studies are expected to begin in the next few months.