Every report on this page began with a question that couldn't wait. From cholesterol complacency to the hidden dangers of diabetes, Baker Institute scientists are turning research into evidence — and evidence into change. These are the findings, campaigns and submissions shaping Australia's health policy and clinical practice.
Our hidden ageing: time to listen to the heart
More than half a million Australians are living with heart valve disease — and over 250,000 of them don't know it. Symptoms like breathlessness or tiredness are often put down to ageing, but early detection can be lifesaving. This whitepaper makes the case for better diagnosis and treatment before complications take hold.
Practicalities of using SGLT2 inhibitors in comorbid diabetes and heart disease
Many people living with both diabetes and heart disease could benefit from a newer class of medication — but safe prescribing requires clear guidance. This whitepaper outlines the clinical evidence and key considerations for healthcare professionals managing both conditions in the same patient.
Code Red: overturning Australia’s cholesterol complacency
Almost half of high-risk Australians managed in primary care are not hitting recommended cholesterol targets — and that hasn't improved in a decade. New modelling in this report shows that better cholesterol management could save more than 3,700 lives and prevent nearly 14,000 cardiovascular events in just five years. The evidence is clear: Australia needs a whole-of-system response.
Dark shadow of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes affects far more than blood sugar. This national snapshot reveals its links to dementia, certain cancers, liver disease and depression — conditions that often go unaddressed. New modelling shows that wider use of novel diabetes medications could prevent hundreds of serious cardiac and kidney events every year.
No Second Chances: controlling risk in cardiovascular disease
Around 1.2 million Australians have been diagnosed with heart disease — and they're five to seven times more likely to experience another heart event than those without it. This report argues that we can't afford complacency in managing those at highest risk, and calls for urgent investment in secondary prevention, cardiac rehabilitation and new therapies.
The dark heart of type 2 diabetes
People living with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to die from sudden cardiac death compared to those without the condition. This report examines the dangerous and often overlooked link between diabetes and unexpected heart failure — and why it demands urgent attention.
Change of Heart: time to end cardiovascular complacency
Despite decades of medical progress, cardiovascular disease still accounts for nearly one in five of Australia's total disease burden. This landmark Baker Institute report warns that gains made in reducing heart disease could be reversed without renewed focus — from policymakers, clinicians and communities alike.
