Monash Health Award won by group led by Hudson Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism researchers

A group led by Dr Jun Yang of the Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, including Centre members and Monash Health Endocrine Hypertension Service team members, has won a Monash Health Award. The project, 'Precision Medicine for Hypertension: Early Detection of Primary Aldosteronism', has improved outcomes for hundreds of hypertensive patients.

L-R: Andrew Stripp (Monash Health CEO), Clinical Associate Professor James Doery (Monash Health Pathology), Professor Peter Fuller (CEM & Monash Health Endocrine Hypertension Service), Dr Jun Yang (CEM & Monash Health Endocrine Hypertension Service), Associate Professor Winston Chong (Monash Health Diagnostic Imaging), Dipak Sanghvi (Monash Health Board Chair)

Primary aldosteronism (PA), caused by excessive aldosterone from the adrenals, poses risks of strokes, heart attacks and abnormal heart rhythms. It can be treated with medications or cured with surgery. The research addressed under-diagnosis of PA with evidence-based protocols, GP education programs and streamlined diagnostic tests.

The team comprises Dr Jun Yang, Professor Peter Fuller, Dr Morag Young, Dr Jimmy Shen, Dr Renata Libianto, Associate Professor James Doery, Associate Professor Winston Chong, Dr Nicholas Chee, Elise Forbes and Peta Nuttal.

“To date, we have shown that more than 15% of cases of hypertension may be caused by PA, which is easily treated and potentially curable. Importantly, hundreds of patients in Victoria have received targeted treatment for the root cause of their hypertension.” said Dr Jun Yang.

Currently, several hundred thousand Australians are living with undiagnosed PA, placing their health at unnecessary risk. 

The award category was "Improving healthcare through clinical research", with this project involving engagement of clinical and research Precinct resources.

This research has attracted international collaborations, secured funding and will transform how doctors treat hypertension.