Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) researcher Jonathan Glenning has been recognised for his childhood blood pressure screening program.
Mr Glenning received the Australian and New Zealand Society for Paediatric Nephrology Tonya Kara Paediatric Research award for the Healthy Hearts @ School Study.
The study, which ran in three Melbourne primary schools, is measuring children's blood pressure to help lower the risk of stroke and heart disease in adulthood.
The project aims to address the silent precursors of serious heart health problems such as high blood pressure and thickening of the arteries that begin to form in the early years.
Mr Glenning said promoting heart health during childhood was crucial, given the rising rates of obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease in Australia.
Image: Jonathan Glenning
"Blood pressure is an important indicator of heart health," he said. "When blood pressure is too high (also known as hypertension), the heart has to work harder to deliver blood and oxygen to the body.
"Maintaining healthy blood pressure in childhood can help reduce a person's risk of developing heart disease as they become adults. However, there are no systems in Australia for children to get their blood pressure screened on mass."
Mr Glenning hopes the study will promote healthy blood pressure in children and prevent complications later in life.
"I would like to especially thank two of my supervisors, Associate Professor Jonathan Mynard and Associate Professor Catherine Quinlan, who have provided me with such immense support. It is a testament to them that I won this award," he said.
