Dr Christian Verdicchio
School of Medicine
College of Health
Dr Christian Verdicchio is the Heart of Corporate Affairs & Strategy of Advara HeartCare, Australia's national group group overseeing its coportate affairs, advocacy and strategic initiatives. In addition to this role he also remains as the Chief Executive Officer of Heart Support Australia overseeing the organisation and leading Australia’s largest peer support network to ensure Australians receive long-term support following a cardiac event.
Prior to his work with Heart Support Australia, Dr Verdicchio was the Corporate Allied Health and Cardiac Rehabilitation Manager at Macquarie Health where he established and led Australia’s largest private cardiac rehabilitation program across 12 hospitals in Sydney and Melbourne.
He is a clinician-researcher with extensive experience in exercise in cardiovascular disease and sports cardiology. He completed his PhD in Medicine under the supervision of Prof Prash Sanders and was awarded Dean’s Commendation for Doctoral Thesis Excellence for his PhD titled ‘Exercise in Atrial Fibrillation’. He holds an academic appointment as a Clinical Senior Lecturer in the School of Medicine at Adelaide University.
Dr Verdicchio is presently the European Society of Cardiology European Association of Preventive Cardiology Young Ambassador of Australia, and an Executive Member on the CSANZ Allied Health, Science and Technology Council. He has presented and been invited to talk at the leading cardiology conferences globally including the Heart Rhythm Society, Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, European Heart Rhythm Society, European Society of Cardiology Preventive Cardiology Congress and the Cardiac Society of Australia. He has been selected as a finalist in the Young Investigator Award category at the 2018 ESSA Research to Practice, the 2019 and 2021 ESC Preventive Cardiology congresses, and selected as a finalist for the Early Career Researcher at the ESSA Research to Practice conference in 2021.
Dr Verdicchio has extensive board and governance experience. He was the President of Com.It.Es South Australia from 2017-2021 being the youngest in the world to be elected to such a position. He was one a founding board member of the new Adelaide Italian Festival in 2019, where he continues to serve.He is a current referee on the SA National Premier League (formerly NSW National Premier League) with more than 350-senior fixtures, he has had numerous finals appointments including being awarded Football SA Referee of Year in 2024. He has extensive national league experience as a match as match official on the Hyundai-A-League, Australian Cup, Australian Championship and the Foxtel National Youth League.
Dr Verdicchio brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in cardiology, governance, corporate management and partnerships holding senior roles within Advara HeartCare and Heart Support Australia.
Clinician researcher with extensive expertise in cardiopulmonary exercise testing and prescription of exercise in patients with complex cardiovascular disease.
| Date | Position | Institution name |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 - ongoing | Head of Corporate Affairs & Strategy | Advara HeartCare |
| 2023 - ongoing | Clinical Senior Lecturer | University of Adelaide |
| 2023 - ongoing | CEO | Heart Support Australia |
| 2021 - ongoing | Clinical Senior Lecturer | University of Sydney |
| 2019 - 2023 | Research Fellow | University of Adelaide |
| 2014 - 2019 | Sessional Tutor and Lecturer | University of Adelaide |
| 2013 - 2016 | Sessional Tutor and Demonstrator | Univeristy of South Australia |
| Date | Type | Title | Institution Name | Country | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Award | Dean's Commendation for Doctoral Thesis Excellence | University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2019 | Award | ESC EuroPrevent Young Investigator Finalist | European Society of Cardiology | Portugal | - |
| 2018 | Award | Research to Practice Young Investigator Awards Finalist | Exercise and Sports Science Australia | Australia | - |
| 2016 | Award | Florey Post Grad Research Medical School Prize - Best Abstract 2016 | University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2015 | Scholarship | School of Health Sciences Divisional Scholarship | University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2012 | Award | University of South Australia Merit Award | University of South Australia | - | - |
| Language | Competency |
|---|---|
| Italian | - |
| Date | Institution name | Country | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Adelaide | Australia | PhD (Medicine) | |
| University of South Australia | Australia | Bachelor Health Sciences (Honours) | |
| University of South Australia | Australia | Grad.Diploma (Clinical.Exercise.Science) | |
| University of South Australia | Australia | Bachelor Applied Science (Health & Human Movement) |
| Date | Title | Institution name | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | Member | ESC European Association of Preventive Cardiology | - |
| — | Member | Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand | Australia |
| — | Accredited Exercise Physiologist - AEP | Exercise and Sports Science Australia - ESSA | - |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Cartledge, S., Rawstorn, J. C., Bourne, C., Astley, C. M., Akbar, H., Bardsley, K., . . . Inglis, S. C. (2026). CSANZ and ACRA Position Statement on Quality Use of Telehealth in Cardiovascular Care. Heart Lung and Circulation, 35(3), 298-314. Scopus3 WoS2 Europe PMC1 |
| 2026 | Freene, N., Seymour, J., McPhail, S. M., Tyack, Z., Patterson, K., Niyonsenga, T., . . . Davey, R. (2026). Frequency of a very brief intervention to increase physical activity levels in cardiac rehabilitation attendees: The ‘Measure It!’ Multicentre randomised trial. International Journal of Cardiology, 455, 8 pages. Scopus1 WoS1 Europe PMC1 |
| 2026 | Jacobs, D., & Verdicchio, C. (2026). Health Service and Lived Consumer Experience Reflected in the Successful Development and Implementation of a Sustainable Cardiac Rehabilitation Hospital Visitors Program: A Partnership Between Bowral and District Hospital and Heart Support Australia.. Heart, lung & circulation, 35(8), e113-e114. |
| 2025 | Weddell, J., Li, E., Shi, W., Gallagher, R., Partridge, S. R., Hyun, K., . . . Redfern, J. (2025). Framework for the Development and Delivery of Digital Peer Support Programs: Qualitative Study on in-Person and Digital Delivery for People With Cardiovascular Disease. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 27, e72743-1-e72743-15. Scopus2 WoS2 Europe PMC1 |
| 2024 | Thomas, E. E., Cartledge, S., Murphy, B., Abell, B., Gallagher, R., Astley, C., . . . Verdicchio, C. (2024). Expanding access to telehealth in Australian cardiac rehabilitation services: a national survey of barriers, enablers, and uptake. European Heart Journal Digital Health, 5(1), 21-29. Scopus10 Europe PMC8 |
| 2024 | Verdicchio, C. V., Hollings, M., & Freene, N. (2024). Understanding what factors underpin change in walking distance in patients with depression following completion of cardiac rehabilitation: commentary. European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 23(7), e144-e145. |
| 2024 | Figtree, G. A., Doyle, K., Nedkoff, L., Cadilhac, D. A., Kovacic, J., Brieger, D., . . . Wainer, Z. (2024). The national Cardiovascular Health Leadership Research Forum: a new data-driven model placing research at the centre of improving patient outcomes. Medical Journal of Australia, 221(9), 452-456. Scopus2 Europe PMC1 |
| 2023 | Elliott, A. D., Verdicchio, C. V., Mahajan, R., Middeldorp, M. E., Gallagher, C., Mishima, R. S., . . . Sanders, P. (2023). An Exercise and Physical Activity Program in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation. JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology, 9(4), 455-465. Scopus102 WoS92 Europe PMC73 |
| 2023 | Cartledge, S., Thomas, E. E., Murphy, B., Abell, B., Verdicchio, C., Zecchin, R., . . . ACRA COVID working group. (2023). Impact of Early COVID-19 Waves on Cardiac Rehabilitation Delivery in Australia: A National Survey. Heart Lung and Circulation, 32(3), 1-11. Scopus10 WoS9 Europe PMC9 |
| 2023 | Verdicchio, C. V., Mahajan, R., Middeldorp, M. E., Gallagher, C., Mishima, R. S., Lau, D. H., . . . Elliott, A. D. (2023). Influence of Sex on Efficacy of Exercise Training for Patients with Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation: Insights from the ACTIVE-AF Randomised Controlled Trial. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 30(18), 2006-2014. Scopus4 WoS5 Europe PMC6 |
| 2023 | Verdicchio, C., Freene, N., Hollings, M., Maiorana, A., Briffa, T., Gallagher, R., . . . Redfern, J. (2023). A Clinical Guide for Assessment and Prescription of Exercise and Physical Activity in Cardiac Rehabilitation. A CSANZ Position Statement. Heart Lung and Circulation, 32(9), 1035-1048. Scopus66 WoS60 Europe PMC42 |
| 2023 | Freene, N., McPhail, S. M., Tyack, Z., Kunstler, B., Niyonsenga, T., Keegan, R., . . . Davey, R. (2023). Very brief intervention for physical activity behaviour change in cardiac rehabilitation: protocol for the 'Measure It!' effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial. BMJ Open, 13(11), e072630-1-e072630-8. Scopus3 WoS2 Europe PMC2 |
| 2022 | Verdicchio, C. V., Gallagher, C., Mahajan, R., Middeldorp, M. E., Linz, D., Lau, D. H., . . . Elliott, A. D. (2022). Use of heart rate for guiding exercise training in patients with atrial fibrillation.. J Sports Med Phys Fitness, 63(1), 188-194. Scopus1 WoS1 |
| 2021 | Elliott, A. D., Verdicchio, C. V., Gallagher, C., Linz, D., Mahajan, R., Mishima, R., . . . Sanders, P. (2021). Factors contributing to exercise intolerance in patients with atrial fibrillation. Heart, Lung and Circulation, 30(7), 947-954. Scopus25 WoS23 Europe PMC23 |
| 2021 | Mishima, R. S., Verdicchio, C. V., Noubiap, J. J., Ariyaratnam, J. P., Gallagher, C., Jones, D., . . . Elliott, A. D. (2021). Self-reported Physical Activity and Atrial Fibrillation Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Heart Rhythm, 18(4), 520-528. Scopus37 WoS38 Europe PMC33 |
| 2020 | Elliott, A. D., Linz, D., Mishima, R., Kadhim, K., Gallagher, C., Middeldorp, M. E., . . . Sanders, P. (2020). Association between physical activity and risk of incident arrhythmias in 402 406 individuals: evidence from the UK Biobank cohort. European Heart Journal, 41(15), 1479-1486. Scopus158 WoS154 Europe PMC140 |
| 2018 | Elliott, A. D., Mahajan, R., Linz, D., Stokes, M., Verdicchio, C. V., Middeldorp, M. E., . . . Sanders, P. (2018). Atrial remodeling and ectopic burden in recreational athletes: Implications for risk of atrial fibrillation. Clinical Cardiology, 41(6), 843-848. Scopus40 WoS35 Europe PMC37 |
| 2018 | Elliott, A. D., Linz, D., Verdicchio, C. V., & Sanders, P. (2018). Exercise and atrial fibrillation: prevention or causation?. Heart, Lung and Circulation, 27(9), 1078-1085. Scopus56 WoS56 Europe PMC50 |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Elliott, A. D., Verdicchio, C., Mahajan, R., Middeldorp, M. E., Gallagher, C., Lau, D. H., & Sanders, P. (2022). Impact of Sex on Outcomes Following Aerobic Exercise Training in Patients With Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation. In CIRCULATION Vol. 146 (pp. A15833). LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. DOI |
| 2018 | Elliott, A., Verdicchio, C. V., Linz, D., Stokes, M., Gallagher, C., Mahajan, R., . . . Sanders, P. (2018). Mechanisms contributing to exercise intolerance in patients with atrial fibrillation. In EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL Vol. 39 (pp. 199). Munich, GERMANY: OXFORD UNIV PRESS. |
| 2018 | Elliott, A., Verdicchio, C., Gallagher, C., Linz, D., Mahajan, R., & Sanders, P. (2018). Myocardial Impairments Rather Than Rhythm Status Contributes to Exercise Intolerance in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation. In FASEB JOURNAL Vol. 32 (pp. 2 pages). Amer Assoc Anatomists, San Diego, CA: FEDERATION AMER SOC EXP BIOL. |
| 2017 | Verdicchio, C., Wijaithum, P., Elliott, A., Lau, D., Sanders, P., & Mahajan, R. (2017). Restoration of Sinus Rhythm Improves Exercise Capacity in Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta-Analysis. In Heart, Lung and Circulation Vol. 26 (pp. S172). Elsevier BV. DOI |
| 2016 | Elliott, A., Mahajan, R., Lau, D., Verdicchio, C., Hendriks, J., Middeldorp, M., & Sanders, P. (2016). Ventilatory Efficiency is Impaired by Atrial Fibrillation and Improved by Cardioversion to Sinus Rhythm. In Heart, Lung and Circulation Vol. 25 (pp. S333). Elsevier BV. DOI |
| 2016 | Verdicchio, C., Smith, M., Mahajan, R., Lau, D., Elliott, A., & Sanders, P. (2016). Exercise Training Results in Biatrial Dilatation: A Meta-Analysis of Training Studies. In Heart, Lung and Circulation Vol. 25 (pp. S325). Elsevier BV. DOI |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Weddell, J., Li, E., Shi, W., Gallagher, R., Partridge, S. R., Hyun, K., . . . Redfern, J. (2025). Developing a framework for cardiovascular disease digital peer support interventions: a multi-component qualitative study. Poster session presented at the meeting of Abstracts of the ESC Congress together with World Congress of Cardiology as published in European Heart Journal. United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. DOI |
| 2023 | Elliott, A., Verdicchio, C. V., Mahajan, R., Gallagher, C., Lau, D. H., Middeldorp, M. E., & Sanders, P. (2023). Impact of atrial fibrillation type on outcomes following aerobic exercise training: analysis from the ACTIVE-AF Trial. Poster session presented at the meeting of Abstracts of the European Society of Cardiology Congress (ESC 2023), as published in European Heart Journal. Amsterdam and virtual online: Oxford University Press (OUP). DOI |
| 2022 | Elliott, A. D., Verdicchio, C., Mahajan, R., Middeldorp, M. E., Gallagher, C., Lau, D. H., & Sanders, P. (2022). Impact of Sex on Outcomes Following Aerobic Exercise Training in Patients With Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation. Poster session presented at the meeting of CIRCULATION. Chicago, IL: LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. |
| 2018 | Verdicchio, C., Elliott, A., Wijaithum, P., Lau, D., Sanders, P., & Mahajan, R. (2018). 50Restoration of sinus rhythm improves exercise capacity in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis. Poster session presented at the meeting of EP Europace. Oxford University Press (OUP). DOI |
| 2018 | Verdicchio, C., Elliott, A., Mahajan, R., Gallagher, C., Middeldorp, M., Linz, D., . . . Sanders, P. (2018). P1189Use of heart rate to guide exercise training intensity in patients with atrial fibrillation. Poster session presented at the meeting of EP Europace. Oxford University Press (OUP). DOI |
| 2017 | Verdicchio, C. (2017). C-PO02-01 to C-PO02-220. Poster session presented at the meeting of Heart Rhythm. Elsevier BV. DOI |
NHMRC & MRFF Grants (CI) >$3-million
University of Adelaide School of Health Sciences Divisional Scholarship 2015-2018
Heart Foundation of Australia EO Myers Trust Fund 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019
Lions Medical Research Foundation Travel Grant 2017
European Society of Cardiology EHRA Travel Grant 2018
The Hospital Research Foundation Travel Grant 2019
University of Adelaide Dean's Commendation for Doctoral Thesis Excellence 2019
Extensive teaching experience within the following courses
- Exercise Physiology
- Human Physiology
- Advanced Exercise Science
- Principles of Exercise Science
- Nutrition and Metabolism
- MBBS III Year Research Program
| Date | Role | Research Topic | Location | Program | Supervision Type | Student Load | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 - 2022 | Principal Supervisor | Exercise in Heart Failure | University of Adelaide | MBBS III | Other | Full Time | Menthi Fernando, Amelia Etchells, Tayla Jackson & Fariza Choudhury |
| 2021 - 2021 | Principal Supervisor | Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Association With Exercise Capacity, Left Ventricular Filling Pressures, Natriuretic Peptides, and Left Atrial Volume | The University of Adelaide | MBBS (III Year) | Other | Full Time | Nicole Kate Fernandez, Xin Yi Foo, Minh-Chau Le and Xan Nguyen |
| Date | Role | Membership | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 - ongoing | Representative | ESC European Association of Preventive Cardiology Ambassador for Australia | Australia |
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