The Baird Institute is dedicated to improving the clinical and surgical techniques used to treat heart and lung conditions.
But why is it so important to research this area? Here are some facts to help explain.
Some Sobering Facts About Heart & Lung Disease in Australia
For a 40-year-old, the risk of having coronary heart disease at some time in their future life is one in two for men and one in three for women.
In Australia, diseases of the heart, lungs and blood vessels kill more people than any other disease.
1/3 of all Australians will die of lung disease.
Lung cancer is the largest cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia - non-smokers get lung cancer.
While these are serious issues, The Baird Institute has major research programs in place to help improve the clinical and surgical techniques used to treat patients. To find out more about how The Baird Institute is helping patients read our patient stories here.
What is Cardiothoracic Surgery:
Cardiothoracic surgery is the field of medicine involved in surgical treatment of diseases affecting organs inside the thorax (the chest)—generally treatment of conditions of the heart (heart disease) and lungs (lung disease).
Who does it effect:
In Australia, diseases of the heart, lungs and blood vessels kill more people than any other disease. Because these diseases affect people of all ages, they can kill your grandparents, your parents, your brother or sister, or even your children.
Why is it important to research:
Risk factors such as poor diet, decreasing levels of activity, obesity, diabetes, smoking and stress can lead to severe coronary heart disease, which is at present, predominantly treated by surgery.
Despite major advances in surgical techniques there is comparatively little funding for Australian research that may help the vast majority of patients who need heart or lung surgery.
How can I help:
Valuable research into heart and lung disease is being done but little of this time, effort and money is directed to improvements in surgical techniques for the most frequently diagnosed forms of heart and lung disease.
We therefore invite you to partner with, or donate to the Baird Institute to enable us to carry on with our vitally important work.
