News

New research focuses on stopping heart attacks at the point of onset

Jun 17, 2026

A potentially groundbreaking clinical study is investigating whether heart attacks can be prevented before they begin, by responding to everyday stressors such as emotional distress, heavy meals and illness.

The Triggered Acute Risk Prevention (TARP) Study, led by researchers from North Shore Private Hospital, Royal North Shore Hospital and the University of Sydney and funded by a Ramsay Hospital Research Foundation grant, is testing a new approach to cardiovascular care that empowers individuals to act at the moment risk is highest.

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, despite significant advances in treatment. 

Chief Investigator and Cardiologist, Professor Geoffrey Tofler, said growing evidence shows that acute triggers including anger, anxiety, vigorous physical exertion, respiratory infections, heavy meals and exposure to pollution can transiently increase the risk of a heart attack.

“While we have made great progress in long-term prevention, we have not previously focused on protecting the heart at the exact time a triggering event occurs,” Professor Tofler said.

“The TARP Study is designed to determine whether timely intervention, using simple medications and increased awareness can reduce that immediate risk.

“The study represents an important shift in how heart disease prevention is approached by moving beyond long-term risk management to focus on identifying and responding to immediate triggers that can lead to a heart attack,” Professor Tofler said. 

Participants in the study will use a smartphone app to record episodes of stress and other triggers. They will then be guided to take low-dose, widely used medications, including aspirin and propranolol, at the time of these events.

Professor Tofler said the study builds on promising preliminary research and this next phase is critical in determining whether this strategy can be used more broadly to help prevent heart attacks.

The study is open to people aged 40 and over who either have existing cardiovascular disease such as a previous heart attack, cardiac surgery or stent procedure or multiple risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a family history of heart disease. 

“This is about giving people the tools and confidence to respond to their own risk in real time,” Professor Tofler said.

“If successful, this could change the way we think about preventing heart attacks moving from a long-term, general approach to one that is immediate and responsive,” he said. 

Participants will be supported throughout the study by a research nurse and will undergo health assessments, including heart monitoring and a blood test.

Researchers are now calling for eligible participants to come forward and be part of this innovative study.

For more information or to register interest, contact the TARP Coordinator at the Cardiology Department at Royal North Shore Hospital.