In conversation with British orienteers: Navigating fitness and heart health Posted on July 4, 2024May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Heart Research UK’s Heart of Scotland Appeal is proud to be the Official Charity Partner of the World Orienteering Championships (WOC 2024) in Edinburgh this July. This partnership combines the excitement of orienteering with the vital mission of promoting heart health. In this Q&A, we speak with British orienteers Kirstin Maxwell and Mairi Eades, who will compete in the elite races at the Sprint WOC 2024. Read on as Mairi and Kirstin share their passion for orienteering, the health benefits of the sport and practical tips for keeping your heart in top shape. Q.1: How did you first get into orienteering? Mairi: “I’ve been orienteering my whole life. My parents, who both started at a young age, met through the sport at university and brought me up orienteering. It’s a fun family affair.” Kirstin: “I’ve been orienteering since I was 10 years old. My dad, always a runner and involved in motorsport, found orienteering to be more family-friendly than car racing. As I participated in more orienteering events, I was invited to a development day for the Scottish team. I met many people and realised how great this outdoor sport is. I began to really enjoy orienteering because of the opportunities it provided. As my passion grew, it became a huge part of my life, and I’ve never looked back.” Q.2: How has orienteering influenced your overall health and fitness, particularly heart health? Mairi: “Orienteering provides me with continuous goals to work towards. It motivates me to train and stay healthy, so I can perform my best at competitions and maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle. It also encourages me to ensure I have a balanced diet to fuel my performance.” Kirstin: “Orienteering keeps you active and it’s said that one of the best ways to keep your heart healthy is to exercise. It’s a sport where you can either walk or run, and if you do run, you can go at your own pace. Orienteering is a great way to exercise and boost your health; it takes your mind off the exertion and into a beautiful place.” Q.3: In what ways do you maintain your heart health through your training and lifestyle choices? Mairi: “I like to keep active outside by walking, jogging, running, and cycling. This can be for commuting to work or recreation. Listening to the body is key and hence sleep is always a priority for me. No matter how healthy you’re eating or how much you’re training, you always need to rest and recover.” Kirstin: “I take care of myself because I want to be the best I can be, which has a knock-on effect on my overall health. Through my training, I’ve learned to pay close attention to things like my heart rate. If it’s elevated, it might indicate that something’s off, prompting me to adjust my activities accordingly. Being an athlete means being quite in touch with your body.” Q.4: Can you share any personal experiences or stories about heart health that have impacted you? Mairi: “My mum had a heart attack recently which shows that heart diseases can occur unexpectedly to anyone, even if you’ve lived a healthy lifestyle your whole life. So, do your best to prevent any health issues and maintain a good lifestyle, but don’t be discouraged if something happens. Unfortunately, even with a lifetime of healthy habits, things can still go wrong.” Q.5: This year, the World Orienteering Championships have partnered with Heart Research UK. How do you feel this partnership can generate awareness and promote heart health within the orienteering community? Mairi: “Exercise is essential for a healthy heart, and orienteering exercises both body and mind simultaneously. It offers a fun challenge and adventure. This partnership is a fantastic reminder for everyone, including elite athletes, about the importance of heart health.” Kirstin: “It’s great to be working with the charity. Orienteers may become more conscious about heart health, and charity supporters might see orienteering as a way to stay active. This partnership can encourage people to maintain their fitness and view orienteering as a viable exercise option.” Q.6: How do you balance the competitive nature of the sport with the enjoyment and adventure of orienteering? Mairi: “It can be difficult to balance these, especially during big races, but at the end of the day, I always come back to the realisation that this sport is so fun and unique. The sport allows us to travel to amazing places around the world, meeting new people and making friends across the world. I am always grateful to be a part of it and all the benefits that come with it.” Kirstin: “As I’ve matured, I’ve realised that when you’re young, a bad race can feel like the end of the world. I’ve spent a lot of time feeling upset, but experience has taught me that hard work is what truly matters. Reminding yourself of the good times, like getting selected or having an amazing run, helps on tough days. When you truly enjoy something and work hard, the buzz you get makes it all worth it. If you’re not enjoying your training every day, it’s time to change something about it.” Q.7: What advice would you give to someone who is interested in taking up orienteering? Mairi: “People are often nervous about trying orienteering, but I believe you just have to give it a go. If you find it difficult, don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as you need. Dive in and don’t fear getting lost. Even elite athletes still get lost, so it’s not a problem.” Kirstin: “There are local clubs all over the UK and you can find events on the British Orienteering website. If you’re near Edinburgh, come watch us at the World Championship races to see elite orienteers, many of whom represent their countries in athletics. Just get out there and try it, don’t worry if you don’t succeed right away. The important thing is to enjoy the fresh air and keep trying until it clicks.” Q.8: What message would you like to share about the importance of heart health? Mairi: “Remember that your heart is very important, so take the time to look after it. A few simple things, like getting outside, staying active and resting when you need to, can make a big difference. Listen to your body and keep it healthy.” Kirstin: “It’s important to take care of ourselves, especially our hearts, and enjoy life since we’re only here once. This means finding what works for you, especially with exercise. While exercise is beneficial, it doesn’t have to be intense. Enjoying activities with friends or family, like orienteering, can make a big difference. The key is to find what works for you and enhances your life.” Taking place from 12th to 16th July 2024, Edinburgh will host the Sprint World Orienteering Championships. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or new to the sport, join us for the WOC Tour, featuring six exciting races for all ages and skill levels. Explore the best of urban orienteering and be part of this incredible event in support of the Heart of Scotland Appeal.
Heart Research UK at The Workplace Event Posted on April 26, 2024May 29, 2025 by Sarah Gill Heart Research UK will be attending The Workplace Event taking place from 30th April to 2nd May 2024. The Workplace Event is the home for workplace and facilities innovation. It brings together workplace professionals and practitioners from facilities, HR, technology, real estate, design, architecture, consultants, and advisors to share best practices, expertise and ideas to create effective working environments, employee experience and drive optimum organisational performance. Having a healthy workforce is essential to the success of any organisation and Heart Research UK will be speaking about our Healthy Hearts at Work programme, which encourages employers to identify and address key health and wellbeing needs of staff. It is hoped that through the programme employers will be able to support their employees and recognise each organisation’s commitment to improving the heart health of their workforce. At the event delegates attending will have the opportunity to have free blood pressure checks carried out by the Heart Research UK team, which will highlight the importance of blood pressure checks and can save lives. Of the health checks Heart Research UK conducted in 2023, 33% of people were found to have high blood pressure and advised to visit their GP. Furthermore, 66% of those tested had blood pressure readings outside of the healthy range. The three-day event at the NEC Birmingham comprises a Workplace Leaders’ Summit, Workplace Leaders Top 50, Knowledge Hub seminar programmes, exhibition, and new for 2024 – The Emerging Leaders Campus and The Future Workplace sponsored by Vanti. Amie Leckie, Workplace Health and Wellbeing Specialist will be attending the event and is looking forward to raising awareness of health and wellbeing to foster a healthy workplace. Amie Leckie, Workplace Health and Wellbeing Specialist, says: “We must continue to acknowledge the importance of employee wellbeing. Our Healthy Hearts at Work Programme aims to support organisations to create a healthy workplace for their employees. We are excited to be attending the Workplace Event to speak about employee wellbeing and heart health.”
Heart Research UK supports NHS blood pressure campaign Posted on March 22, 2024May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Olivia Schofield Heart Research UK backs new NHS campaign encouraging more people to have their blood pressure checked. The campaign is set to raise awareness of high blood pressure (also known as hypertension), which is one of the largest known risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is considered a ‘silent killer’. There are often no symptoms but if left untreated, it can lead to fatal heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and vascular dementia. Cardiovascular disease is a general term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels and causes one in four deaths in England. There are often ‘no clues’ about who might have high blood pressure, the only way to know is by a simple blood pressure test. It is hoped the campaign will find the ‘missing millions’ of people who have undiagnosed high blood pressure. High blood pressure is estimated to affect 32% of adults across England. In a new survey, worrying numbers show people don’t know the potentially fatal effects of high blood pressure, with 41% unaware, if left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, and over a fifth being unaware that it can cause strokes and heart attacks. High blood pressure can be easily reversed, either with medication and/or lifestyle changes. Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive at Heart Research UK, said: “Prevention is vital in helping to reduce the nation’s risk of developing high blood pressure. Eating a balanced, healthy diet, getting plenty of physical activity, as well as avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can reduce your risk of coronary heart disease or a heart attack. Knowing your blood pressure level is so important for understanding your risk of cardiovascular disease, and as there are often no symptoms, the only way to know is by getting it checked, which is quick, simple and can be lifesaving.” The NHS will be contributing an additional 2.5 million blood pressure checks in community pharmacies over the next two years. Those aged 40 and over will be urged to get a free blood pressure test at participating pharmacies, which could potentially be lifesaving. The campaign is being backed by Graeme Souness, TV pundit and former footballer, who is affected by high blood pressure and had a heart attack, and Gloria Hunniford, TV presenter and broadcaster, whose dad and husband have suffered strokes. The ‘Get Your Blood Pressure Checked’ drive supports the ambitions of the NHS Long Term Plan, which focuses on tackling health inequalities and the prevention of ill health. It aims to prevent 150,000 strokes, heart attacks and dementia over 10 years by raising awareness and diagnosis of high blood pressure. If you’re aged 40 and over, you can get a free blood pressure check at your local participating pharmacy, without needing to book in advance.
An outdoor gym for the female heart Posted on March 4, 2024May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Heart Research UK and The Great Outdoor Gym Company (TGOGC) have joined forces to create the ultimate outdoor fitness space that is more female-friendly. Studies show that up to 40% of women are not meeting the recommended weekly exercise target of 150 minutes, leading to the alarming increase in heart disease among women. To address this issue, we are inviting women and girls to co-create our upcoming outdoor gym designs so that they can be tailored to better meet their needs. Your participation in our survey will provide valuable insights into what you consider essential in an outdoor fitness environment. Your input will help shape the future of fitness spaces and empower women to prioritise their cardiovascular health. About The Great Outdoor Gym Company Co-founded by female designer, Georgie Delaney MBE, The Great Outdoor Gym Company has pioneered outdoor gyms in the UK and has installed over 2500 worldwide. Their vision is help create healthier people and a healthier planet. Georgie wants to break TGO’s own mould and develop new inspiring designs that women feel excited to belong to. Georgie Delaney MBE at the Great Outdoor Gym Company: “Co-creation is a key part of our design process. We also value inclusivity, sustainability, diversity, safety and quality.” Helen Flaherty at Heart Research UK: “We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with the Great Outdoor Gym Company, which aligns perfectly with our goal to get people more active. We want to see physical activity become a fundamental part of life for all women and girls. Increasing physical activity is crucial for reducing the risk of coronary heart disease because it helps with maintaining a healthy weight, managing cholesterol levels and reducing high blood pressure.”
Celebrating 45 years of successful heart transplant surgery this Heart Month Posted on January 31, 2024May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Olivia Schofield 1979 marked a year of significant change for heart transplant surgery in the UK nearly 45 years ago. One which revolutionised heart transplant surgery to become what we know today. The beginning of heart transplant surgery. South Africa had the first successful attempt of heart transplant surgery globally, and it was South African surgeon, Christiaan Barnard’s first successful heart transplant in 1967 which acted as a catalyst for more attempts at heart transplant surgery across the world. The first attempts at heart transplantation in the UK were performed by the surgeon, Mr Donald Ross in 1968. Sadly, whilst the transplants themselves were completed; the first three patients died within weeks due to major issues of organ rejection. Despite a moratorium in 1973 which had acted as an effective ban on these surgeries in the UK. It was accomplished cardiac surgeon, Sir Terence English, who could not be dissuaded in his pursuit to continue heart transplant surgery in the UK. Facing challenges Even though there were advances around heart transplant surgery, there was subsequent media and political negativity. Sir Terence English, the pioneering surgeon at Royal Papworth Hospital, approached the local Cambridge Authority, which provided funding for heart transplantation to occur within Royal Papworth Hospital’s facilities. Unfortunately, Sir Terence’s first attempt at heart transplant surgery in January 1979 was unsuccessful as the patient had only survived a few weeks after the heart transplant. Sir Terence carried out his second surgery in August 1979 at Royal Papworth Hospital on Keith Castle, a 52-year-old who went on to survive over five years post-transplant. This went on to become the first successful heart transplant in UK history. The successful heart transplant on Keith Castle proved to be a significant breakthrough that Sir Terence and the UK needed. As Sir Terence had funding for only two attempts, this was his last chance. If the transplant had failed, it would have been unlikely that he would have received further funding. However, the success of the second attempt enabled Sir Terence to secure funding from Heart Research UK. Formerly known as the National Heart Research Fund, Heart Research UK funded the following six heart transplant surgeries in the UK, at what was then called Papworth Hospital. After Sir Terence had performed two consecutive successful transplants, it provided sufficient evidence to the central regulatory and funding bodies to allow a full-scale transplant programme at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge. This in turn led to the inclusion of heart transplantation within the NHS.Heart transplant surgery today. Since the first UK heart transplant in 1968, there have been approximately 9,000 heart transplants in the UK. Heart Research UK has also funded a Translational Research Project (TRP) Grant towards research at Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, exploring the effectiveness of fluids for the preservation of donor hearts. This will continue to support the development of pioneering heart transplant surgery. Heart Research UK and Royal Papworth Hospital also hosts an annual surgical masterclass on heart and lung transplantation led by Marius Berman, Cardiothoracic and Transplant Surgeon at Royal Papworth Hospital. 45 years is a significant milestone and it’s because of you that we can continue to fund lifesaving research into heart transplant surgery. The next 45 years of heart transplant surgery are decided by people like you.
Redefining Resolutions: Beating Quitter’s Day Posted on January 11, 2024May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill As every January welcomes a wave of New Year’s resolutions, there’s a familiar phenomenon of the Quitter’s Day, when many people give up on their goals. Affecting countless resolutions every year, the 12th January marks Quitter’s Day, the day when many will no longer commit to their New Year goals. However, amidst these faltering commitments, there are individuals who defy these odds and strive towards their goals. One such inspiring individual is John Hissett, whose remarkable journey inspires resilience. Having lost his mother to a cardiac arrest and his niece, Izzy, to Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect, John’s story is one of personal loss. Turning his grief into a powerful force for positive change, John channelled his passion for running to make a significant impact on the fight against heart diseases. For three consecutive years, John participated in the Great North Run, rallying support and fundraising for Heart Research UK, which will continue to support the work researchers do to stop heart diseases. In the year 2023, he teamed up with his wife, Ruth, and together they raised an impressive total of over £1,000. For him, running isn’t just a personal challenge, it’s a heartfelt commitment to honour the memory of his late mother and niece. Choosing to run to take on heart diseases and his commitment to running stands as a reminder that resolutions are rooted in a deep, personal connection and can withstand the challenges that often lead to quitting. John’s inspiring story reminds us that commitment and perseverance can continue even in the face of adversity. Let his determination be the motivation you need to defy Quitter’s Day and remind you to focus on your New Year’s resolutions. Our 2024 events, including the London to Brighton Cycle, the Great North Run, and the Swim the Channel Challenge, provide the perfect opportunity to turn resolutions into actions. Participate to build not just a healthier future but to contribute to lifesaving research and making a difference. Join John and countless others in supporting heart research by signing up for these events. You can take a step towards positive change and together we won’t stop until there are no more deaths from heart diseases.
Heart Research UK joins UK research sector to support first-of-its kind sex and gender policy in major sector turning point Posted on December 11, 2023May 29, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Malavika Pillai Date published: 11/12/2023 Heart Research UK is today publishing a statement of intent signalling our support for the introduction of dedicated sex and gender policies for biomedical, health and care research in the UK. We join with organisations across the UK medical research sector to publish this statement, which was produced in collaboration with The George Institute for Global Health’s Medical Science Sex and Gender Equity (MESSAGE) project. High-quality, reproducible, and inclusive medical research requires consideration of sex and gender at every stage, from study design and participant recruitment to data analysis and transparent reporting of results. Sex and gender influence the conditions people develop, the symptoms they experience, the treatment they receive, and their overall outcomes. In the instance of cardiovascular research, it has been highlighted that women have a 50% higher chance of receiving the wrong initial diagnosis after a heart attack. This means they are less likely than men to promptly receive the life-saving treatments they need and are about half as likely as men to receive recommended heart attack treatments. This means that women with heart disease are dying unnecessarily from heart attacks and have worse outcomes than men because they are less likely to receive the care and treatment they need. The current evidence base has relied on studies conducted primarily on male cells, animals and people, contributing to persisting standards of worse care and worse outcomes for cis women and sex- and gender-diverse people. Understanding sex and gender differences, as well as where similarities exist, is therefore essential to ensure that treatment and care is safe and effective for all people. In contrast to other high-income countries – notably Canada, the United States and European nations under Horizon Europe – the UK has no standard, unified guidance for researchers about how to consider sex dimensions in cell and animal studies, and sex and gender dimensions in human studies. To address this need, Heart Research UK has collaborated with the project to co-design a sex and gender policy framework for UK research funders. We are working alongside the wider sector – including research funders, regulators, researchers, patient and public groups, academic publishers, and the Department of Health and Social Care – to develop priorities for change in this space and discuss how sex and gender policies should be best implemented. We welcome the launch of this framework in 2024, which sets a new gold standard for research in the UK and will ensure cohesion in requirements made of researchers going forwards. Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive at Heart Research UK, said: “The introduction of dedicated sex and gender policies for biomedical, health and care research in the UK is important to ensure that sex and gender are considered in every stage across research and health projects and represents a significant opportunity to improve research practices going forward. We are proud to be involved in this work and pleased so many organisations are offering their support.” Robyn Norton, Founding Director of The George Institute, Professor of Global Health at Imperial College London and co-principal investigator on the MESSAGE project, said: “We are delighted to see so many members of the UK research sector express their commitment to improving scientific rigour and equity in biomedical, health and care research. Today marks a huge advance for the UK research community, which will help provide the most effective evidence to improve outcomes for all patients.” Heart Research UK has so far committed to delivering a national awareness campaign; HER Disease, encouraging women to recognise the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Going forwards, Heart Research UK plans to focus its attentions on delivering a follow up campaign that will aim to promote women’s participation in clinical trials and expel the myths that currently surround them. You can find out more about the MESSAGE project at www.messageproject.co.uk or on X at @MESSAGE_TGI
Heart Research UK and Indian Block Print Co. Partnership: Maggie’s Story Posted on November 14, 2023May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Olivia Schofield “My heart attack came out of nowhere with no warning. ”Maggie Sheehan, Founder of the Indian Block Print Co., and her daughter Tess Hucker are sharing their experience after Maggie’s heart attack, as part of a new partnership between Heart Research UK and The Indian Block Print Co., which has created a limited-edition heart tea towel block print kits. In 2014, Maggie Sheehan was travelling to Heathrow Airport on the M25 when she began to feel unwell. Then, the 58-year-old was overcome with a tight feeling in her chest and suddenly passed out. Her daughter, Tess Hucker who runs the company with her, was driving at the time and had to pull onto the hard shoulder and call 999. Shortly after Tess made the emergency call, Maggie regained consciousness. Maggie, 67, said: “I couldn’t move my upper arms and the pain was so bad, it went all across my chest. I came to the frightening realisation that I am either having a heart attack or a stroke.” At that moment, 20-year-old Tess was unsure what to do to help her mum and felt completely helpless. Tess, now 29, said: “My mum was so frightened. She was in a lot of pain. It makes me emotional to relive it because Mum started saying goodbye to me. It was horrible.” “I was one of the lucky ones, I’m here to tell my story, but sadly there are so many people who aren’t as lucky and a simple heart health check with your GP could be lifesaving.” When the ambulance arrived, they quickly identified that Maggie was having a heart attack, and she was taken to Harefield Hospital. Maggie explained: “I remember being in a lot of pain, but it happened so quickly. When we got to the hospital, they quickly identified that I had a blockage in my heart, and they were going to put a stent in.” After the surgery, Maggie went to rehabilitation at her local hospital, where she made a full recovery and was given advice on how to improve her lifestyle. Both Maggie and Tess decided to get matching heart tattoos on their wrists after their experience to mark the spot where Maggie’s lifesaving stent was inserted. Maggie continued: “My heart attack came out of nowhere with no warning, so it would have been a silent killer for me. I’ve always thought if I’d been on my own that day, that would have been the end of it.” Inspired by Maggie’s and Tess’s experience, the Indian Block Print Co. has partnered with national heart charity, Heart Research UK, to raise money and awareness of heart diseases in women by creating a limited-edition heart tea towel block printing craft kit. Maggie explained: “I was told my blood pressure, and my cholesterol were very high. I hadn’t prioritised my health before I had the heart attack. There was nothing wrong with my health. I felt I was healthy and normal. “My message to all women is to go get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked as soon as possible. It came out of nowhere, so please don’t let denial get in the way of your health. I was one of the lucky ones, I’m here to tell my story, but sadly there are so many people who aren’t as lucky and a simple heart health check with your GP could be lifesaving.”£10 from every sale of the heart tea towel block print craft kits will be donated to Heart Research UK, supporting their lifesaving research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart diseases. The Indian Block Print Co. and Heart Research UK: limited edition heart tea towel block print kit is available to buy now from: www.theindianblockprintco.com
Heart Research UK is delighted to present at the Cardiovascular Professional Care Conference 2023 Posted on October 5, 2023May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Olivia Schofield Following the success of Heart Research UK’s award-winning HER disease campaign, Director of Health Promotion and Education, Dr Helen Flaherty and Cardiology Registrar at St Thomas’ Hospital, Dr Holly Morgan will be presenting to an esteemed group of cardiovascular and clinical professionals at ExCel London. HER disease was launched in September 2022 to raise awareness of how women are being affected by coronary heart disease, one of the single biggest killers of women in the UK. Coronary heart disease kills more than 23,000 women every year in the UK Coronary heart disease kills twice as many women as breast cancer in the UK Around 830,000 women are living with coronary heart disease The Cardiovascular Professional Care Conference is a two-day event delivering outstanding clinical content and critical updates for the whole sector. After establishing itself as the new home for the UK cardiology community, the highly anticipated 2023 edition will offer a unique platform for knowledge exchange, networking and the exploration of ground-breaking advancements in cardiovascular care. Registration is now open for Cardiovascular Professional Care, taking place on 14th and 15th November 2023 at ExCeL London. Created specifically for all healthcare professionals involved in the treatment, management and delivery of cardiovascular care, the event will also bring together exhibitors in a dynamic environment to showcase the latest products and innovations aimed at improving patient care and outcomes in cardiovascular care. This year’s conference is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, with a diverse array of sessions, workshops and panel discussions that delve into the latest developments in cardiovascular care. Among the highlights is a dynamic session led by Heart Research UK, focusing on the critical issue of HER disease and the loss of women’s lives to heart disease. Plenty of other sessions will take place with topics including clinical trials and emerging trends.
Leave a lasting legacy Posted on October 2, 2023May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill October is Make a Will month, and you can claim yours for free from Heart Research UK. Writing a Will is something many people put off, but it’s important to have one in place to ensure that your loved ones are taken care of when you’re no longer here. It can also be a way of leaving a lasting legacy, by leaving a gift to Heart Research UK. Too many of us have been affected by heart diseases. There are over seven million people living with cardiovascular disease in the UK, killing one in four people. Gifts in Wills have the power to change the future and stop heart diseases claiming so many lives. Heart Research UK is working hard to fund lifesaving medical research to find new treatments and cures, deliver ground-breaking training and education, and to help communities to improve their heart health.86% of our work is funded through gifts in Wills, from people like Steve. Steve remembers the day he lost his beloved partner Jackie. It felt like a normal evening. Steve had been out with Jackie when she started feeling unwell. She went home, and Steve told her to ring him in the morning to make sure she was okay. But she never called. “My soulmate had suddenly died from a heart attack,” Steve says .Jackie was only 59 when she died and is among approximately 23,000 women who die from coronary heart disease every year in the UK. Steve wanted to do something to remember Jackie by. “It seemed quite natural to create a legacy in favour of Heart Research UK in my Will,” he says. If you, like us, want a future free from heart diseases, leave us a gift in your Will.
Cornelly Development Trust Posted on September 25, 2023May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Project title: Pulse Region: Wales, Bridgend Award amount: £10,904 Award date: June 2023 The Problem: The South of Wales has one of the highest rates of death from cardiovascular disease in the UK. Cornelly Development Trust conducted a survey of local residents and identified that the cost-of-living crisis has exacerbated unhealthy eating habits, increased smoking and alcohol consumption, and raised peoples’ general stress levels, all of which increase the risk of heart diseases. The Project: Participants in this project will get to take part in cooking workshops, where aside from cooking from scratch they will also learn about healthy swaps and cooking on a budget. The group will also have access to an outdoor space where they will build an allotment and plant vegetables. These will be used in the cooking workshops and used for the wider benefit of the community. There will also be general health workshops on topics like smoking cessation and physical activity. The Benefits: Regular physical activity reduces your risk of heart diseases and gardening is a great, accessible option for individuals who are otherwise inactive. In addition, spending time in nature and gardening can positively impact on stress levels. Participants will be supported to increase their physical activity levels over the course of the project, improving their cardiovascular fitness. Eating a healthy diet can drastically reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and educating participants to be able to shop on a budget and cook heart-healthy, delicious meals will equip them with the knowledge to reduce their risk of heart diseases by adapting their diet at home. Adrian Morgan, CEO of Cornelly Development Trust, said: “We are so grateful for the funding support we have received from Heart Research UK as it gives us the opportunity to teach growing fruit and vegetables and use them to prepare healthy food options while raising awareness of general heart health.”
Meet our NET Panel: Dr Pankaj Garg Posted on June 26, 2023May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Our Novel and Emerging Technologies Grants are awarded to medical research projects that focus on the development of new and innovative technologies to diagnose, treat and prevent heart diseases and related conditions. To help us ensure that we support the highest quality science and the best scientists we have the help of a panel of cardiologists, surgeons and scientists with expertise and knowledge in the specific area.One of our NET panel members is Dr Pankaj Garg, Associate Professor in Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of East Anglia. He’s leading the development of advanced ways to image the heart and its flow dynamics, working to develop the technology for the benefit of patients.How did you decide that you wanted to be a researcher? “Besides being a doctor, my love for technology and being a computer nerd inspired me to specialise in cardiac imaging in clinical practice. As I explored this field, I became aware of new technologies that greatly improved heart imaging through various methods. Witnessing their potential and impact on medical diagnostics, I was driven to become a researcher in this area.”What is your main area of interest? “During my PhD research, I was introduced to an incredibly innovative technology, a novel approach to flow imaging of the heart. Unlike standard flow imaging, which only captures flow in one direction, this new technique provided a comprehensive view of the heart’s flow dynamics in three dimensions. This revelation was eye-opening as I realised that the flow inside the heart is far more complex than a simple forward motion. It involves simultaneous forward and backward movements, accompanied by the formation of vortices similar to those seen in thunderstorms. “The introduction of this ground-breaking technology, known as 4D flow MRI, offered immense potential for clinical applications. Recognising its significance, I became deeply compelled to invest my time and efforts into developing it for use in clinical practice. Today, my focus remains on advancing this technology for the benefit of patients.”What research are you working on right now? “As you may be aware, heart failure poses a significant challenge. The current diagnostic approach for heart failure involves assessing the pressures within the heart, which is considered the gold standard method. However, this typically requires invasive procedures, which are expensive and have risks. “In routine clinical practice, echocardiograms, which use ultrasound-based methods, are commonly used to estimate pressures in the heart, but they often lack precision. “To address this unmet clinical need, my research group is dedicated to developing highly accurate and precise non-invasive techniques for measuring these pressures using the new 4D MRI.”Why did you want to be part of our NET panel? “I personally had the opportunity to apply for a NET grant, and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the process. The NET grant scheme is truly exceptional, as it provides a platform for the evolution of novel emerging techniques that may carry an element of risk within the UK landscape. This approach fosters innovation and encourages collaborative efforts between researchers and the industry to develop solutions that have the potential to bring tangible benefits to patients.”Where do you think novel and emerging technology will take cardiovascular disease treatments in the future? “Novel and emerging technologies encompass a wide range of scientific aspects, including fundamental research exploring molecular components, as well as hardware and software solutions that offer fresh perspectives and insights into understanding heart disease. These technological advancements bring us closer to effectively delivering improved care to patients. “Moreover, the field of artificial intelligence (AI) holds significant potential. In my view, it’s crucial to emphasise the utilisation of existing data to extract valuable information and enable informed clinical decision-making. However, I want to express caution regarding the use of AI as a black box. As doctors and scientists, it’s essential that we maintain a level of vigilance and not overly rely on AI to provide definitive answers, such as diagnosing heart disease. Instead, we should use AI to discover the underlying mechanisms driving heart disease, to enhance our understanding of the condition.”Why would you say that investing in research is important for the future? “Currently, the UK is undergoing a transitional phase where the loss of EU funding and research opportunities is a significant concern. This loss has the potential to exert a profoundly negative impact, not only impeding the development of future research endeavours but also hindering the growth of our domestic pool of talented professionals. Without the ability to attract and retain exceptional individuals, we risk impeding innovation itself. “It’s crucial that we maintain a continuous stream of funding for innovative technologies that directly benefit patients. The field of science is experiencing rapid evolution, and in the span of just five or ten years, the technological landscape will undergo a complete transformation. “Failure to invest in research within the UK will ultimately result in adverse consequences for both patients and scientific community. “So it’s important that we prioritise research investments to ensure UK is at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs which lead to improvement in health.” Related pages
Meet our NET Panel: Professor Ellison-Hughes Posted on June 23, 2023May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Our Novel and Emerging Technologies Grants are awarded to medical research projects that focus on the development of new and innovative technologies to diagnose, treat and prevent heart diseases and related conditions. To help us ensure that we support the highest quality science and the best scientists we have the help of a panel of cardiologists, surgeons and scientists with expertise and knowledge in the specific area. One of these is Georgina Ellison-Hughes, Professor of Regenerative Muscle Physiology at King’s College London. She’s also currently working on a research project, funded by Heart Research UK, looking at a new way to eliminate so-called ‘zombie’ cells in the heart and improving the heart’s own ability to repair itself. How did you decide that you wanted to be a researcher? “I wanted to be a medical researcher ever since my first indication that it was a career option. “The reason I wanted to go into heart research was because my grandfather died very suddenly of a massive heart attack. “I was very close to him. I was a bit annoyed, really, that nothing could be done to save him. My mum was very much like ‘ohh, you know he’s old, he had a bad heart’. But I remember thinking, what is it about ageing that makes a heart deteriorate? And what happens if we could stop that from happening and keep the heart healthier for longer?” Heart Research UK is funding a research project where you’re looking at ‘zombie’ cells of the heart and how we can get rid of these for the heart to rejuvenate itself. How is it going? “We still have about another four or five months left on the project and we’ve collected quite a lot of data. “These ‘zombie’ cells, or senescent cells, appear as part of the ageing process and they are dysfunctional, and they also refuse to die. “So, they hang around and they release really harmful chemicals that can then have an effect on cells that are nearby, making them become dysfunctional too. “We’re using a type of drug called senolytics that destroys ‘zombie’ cells. What we’ve shown is that when we eliminate the zombie cells, we can improve the survival and also the proliferation of human cardiac cells.”What would you say is the end goal for this research? If you’re able to dream big. “I think the end goal would be that senolytics can be used to improve cardiovascular health and prevent cardiovascular disease. “If we see similar results that we’re seeing in the preclinical models, then I think that senolytics could be used as an additional therapy to improve cardiovascular health. “But ‘zombie’ cells don’t just target the heart, there are also senescent cells that affect different organs and tissues throughout the body. They are really detrimental in for example atherosclerosis which has been known for many years. ”Why did you want to be part of our NET panel? “Because I find the NET grant scheme really exciting. It’s different to other grants and panels that are around, especially in the field of the heart. “I’m really interested in seeing the clinical benefit and impact of the research that we do. I want to see the work that we’re doing go into the clinic and benefit patients. I know I don’t want to work for the next 20 years and not think that anything I’ve worked on has progressed from where we’re at today. “One of the great things about the NET grant scheme is that Heart Research UK wants to see clinical impact and pathway to the clinic within a set time frame. ”Where do you think novel and emerging technology will take cardiovascular disease treatments in the future? “I think it has a huge potential, to take us into, in some ways, a whole new world. Something like AI could really take us into being a leader in terms of healthcare and innovation in the future. “What’s also great is the emerging technologies in terms of wearable devices and using AI to help people to become more educated about their own health and wellbeing. “But we need to take responsibility for that. We have so many sources where we can get information about what affects people’s lifestyles now. I think it would be good to use that information to inform the future development for the next generations, to make sure that we do prevent and delay heart disease and other conditions. ”Why would you say that investing in research is important for the future? “If you don’t have people doing the research, then you’re never going to discover and find out whether something is worthwhile, whether something works or doesn’t work. You are able to impact change. “But it’s also important for people like me who, when I was 18 years old, I realised that that’s what I wanted to do. It’s a career and a vocation. “And it gives me so much back, by doing good, if you like. And I think we need to have career pathways that are like that, where people feel like they are doing good and they can see the bigger picture rather than thinking life is all about working or making money.” Related pages
Thirteen-year partnership between Heart Research UK and Subway® is coming to an end Posted on April 17, 2023May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Launching in 2009, Heart Research UK and Subway® have been in partnership for 13 years and have raised over £1 million for local communities across the UK. The purpose of the partnership was based on the mutual commitment of both organisations to support local communities who needed more heart health intervention. The money raised throughout the partnership was spent on Healthy Heart Grants throughout the UK. These grants enabled grass root organisations to access the funding needed for new, original and innovative projects that actively promoted a healthy heart and helped prevent, or reduce, the risk of heart disease in areas where the provision for such learning, understanding and application wasn’t available. In many areas of social deprivation there are little or no resources for teaching people about their heart and the importance of living a healthy life. In these communities, obesity is more prevalent. The partnership between Subway® and Heart Research UK aimed to change this. The Healthy Heart Grants were given where they were needed most, to local groups with in-depth knowledge of the needs of their area, benefitting the people most at risk of heart disease. The people who benefit from these grants have often not had the opportunity to learn about their heart or how to reduce their risk of heart disease. The learnings have been invaluable to them and also their family and friends who have learned from them. Simple provisions such as cooking classes for adults with learning difficulties or walking and exercise groups for the blind have significantly improved the quality of life for participants. Subway® franchisees got heavily involved with the partnership and their enthusiasm towards the work they were funding was fantastic and really inspiring. Each store had a collection box and many engaged with the Healthy Heart Grants which ran in their local communities. Some staff even got involved in the grants process and sat on the panel to help shortlist the applications and assist with making the final decisions. They gave an external perspective on the projects and a different point of view to the Heart Research UK team. The biggest Subway® fundraiser throughout the 13 years of the partnership was the Subway Helping Hearts Family 5Ks, which were launched in 2011. The series of 5K runs gave local families in each of the Subway® regions the chance to enter a race where everyone could take part and enjoy. Buggies, dogs and even wheelchairs made their way around the course before participants enjoyed entertainment and a healthy Subway lunch at the end. They were incredibly popular with the highest turnout being 2,500 runners at one of the Belfast events!After 13 fantastic years, the partnership has now come to an end and Heart Research UK would like to offer their huge thanks and sincere gratitude to all the team at Subway for everything they have helped the charity achieve. Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive at Heart Research UK, said: “Being partnered with a huge global brand like Subway® for such a long period has been an absolute pleasure. They raised over £1million throughout the partnership and thanks to them we’ve been able to support thousands of people across the country, helping them live healthier, happier and longer lives. The team at Subway® did more than just fundraise, they fully integrated themselves in the partnership and this is one of the reasons it was such a long and successful relationship. “Strategic partnerships like this are such a huge benefit to charities like ours. The shared social mission of both organisations created the level of ambition needed to raise the money and reach the thousands of people who really needed our help. “Without Subway®, our healthy heart grants wouldn’t have been possible and we would like to offer our sincere thanks to them for allowing us to do so much more and help many more people.” Beneficiaries of some our partnership projects have said: “I can’t believe for seven years I have not been able to convince my child to eat a tomato and now he’s coming home excited telling me what he’s been making and even helping me cook at home. This is a fantastic opportunity. Thank you.” ‘’It’s been 55 years since I cycled but once you get out there and get cycling you feel 100% better for it. The Healthy Heart cycle project has made a big difference to me. It’s helped me be more active than I’ve been in years and I’ve lost just over 2 stone.” The Subway® and Heart Research UK partnership has positively impacted on people being able to keep their loved ones around for longer, successfully reaching across diverse and hard to reach communities.
Celebrating the EXSEL Scholarships Posted on March 9, 2023May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Published: 09/03/2023 By: Ebba Ritzen This week, an event was held at the University of Leeds to celebrate the work of the EXSEL student scholars and the support provided to the scheme by Heart Research UK. The EXSEL Scholarship is awarded to two students each year, to enable them to do medical research with leading experts in cardiovascular medicine. Heart Research UK has been funding the scheme since the start, supporting the researchers of the future. At the event, Professor Homer-Vanniasinkam spoke about how the idea for the programme came when she suggested to a student that he continued to work with her on a research project over the summer, but he initially declined as he needed to find paid work. Now, through the scholarship, Heart Research UK can fund two outstanding undergraduate medical students each year, giving them the opportunity to be involved in research projects and helping them become the experts of tomorrow. Also speaking at the event was Sumayyah Ishfaq, who was one of the two who received the EXSEL Scholarship in 2022. She talked about how the programme has impacted her belief in her own abilities and achievements. She said: I didn’t have published research experiences or many of the things I associated with excellence. I wasn’t sure what my journey through EXSEL was going to entail, and under all the smiling, this thought of excellence, quite honestly, terrified me. “My research project taught me a lot about the scientific research process. I developed my skills in analysis, abstract creation and much more.” After thanking her supervisor and mentors at the University of Leeds, Sumayyah said: I owe most gratitude to Heart Research UK, whose generosity has made my pursuit for excellence a possibility. Your kindness and donations have been pivotal for me academically, and personally, but also for many along the way.” Prof Homer and Dr Howell Wiktoria Ozarek and Sumayyah Ishfaq Related pages
World Obesity Day: Waist Size and Obesity Posted on March 3, 2023May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Sabha Nisar Being overweight or obese is common in today’s times. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines obesity as ‘abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health’. According to the Health Survey for England (2019), 27% of men and 29% of women were reported obese in the UK. With 59% of men and 69% of women having a higher than desirable waist circumference.The link between waist circumference and your healthWhat is the link between waist circumference and your health? It is a well-known fact that having a high body mass index (BMI) poses a risk of developing cardiovascular or cardiometabolic diseases, but studies have shown that the distribution of weight is equally important. The type of fat that accumulates around the abdominal organs is called ‘visceral fat’. The excess fat carried around your waist increases the chances of adverse health conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart diseases, diabetes mellitus and some cancers. Knowing your BMI and waist circumference (WC) measure is important for understanding your risk of developing long-term health problems, such as coronary heart disease. What are the waist measurement categories? Your risk can vary depending on your gender and ethnicity. Men tend to carry more fat around the abdomen (apple shaped body type) and women more on the hips (pear shaped body type). The WHO stated that a WC > 94 cm in men and > 80 cm in women is associated with an increased risk of metabolic complications and the risk is significantly increased with a WC > 102 cm in men and > 88 cm in women. The table below shows the recommendations for waist circumference according to your gender and ethnicity. Recently, the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended keeping the size of your waist to less than half of your height, as a simple formula to use and understand. How do you measure your waist? Experts encourage people to self-measure their waist to know their health risk. This also reduces any sense of discomfort or stigma they might feel from a healthcare professional taking the measurement. Simply apply a measuring tape halfway between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the hips. Make sure the tape is straight and sitting firmly but not pulling too tightly – no cheating! Or click on our Healthy heart tip link to measuring your waist circumference. Once you understand the factors that could impact your health, take action to address them and improve your overall well-being. Further reading on: Healthy eating Exercise related tips Related pages
Rare Disease Day: 5 uncommon heart conditions Posted on February 27, 2023May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Olivia Schofield Spreading awareness of rare heart diseases is crucial, as it enables individuals and their families to understand if they are suffering from an uncommon heart condition. A rare disease is classed as a condition which affects fewer than one in 2,000 people. Currently it is estimated there are over 7,000 rare diseases, with new conditions continually being identified as research advances. So, to highlight the importance of Rare Disease Day, we have broken down five rare heart diseases. 1. Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) What is Long QT Syndrome (LQTS)? Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) affects how your heart beats, which can either be inherited from your parents or caused by certain medications. Your heartbeat is controlled by an electrical system, and between each beat, this system needs to recharge. In LQTS the system takes a longer time to recharge which can increase the risk of the heart going into an abnormal, potentially dangerous, rhythm. 2. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) What is hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)? Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a rare type of congenital heart disease, where the left side of the heart doesn’t develop properly and is too small, resulting in not enough oxygenated blood getting through to the body. A series of complex heart operations is needed, starting soon after birth, which can improve quality of life and longer-term survival. 3. Brugada syndrome What is Brugada syndrome? Brugada syndrome is an inherited syndrome that impacts the way electrical signals pass through the heart. It can cause a very high heart rate, which if not addressed can lead to cardiac arrest. Though there is no cure for Brugada, its symptoms can be managed through medications and even the implantation of an internal defibrillator if the risk to life is significant. 4. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection What is spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD)? Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) occurs when the inner layer of a coronary artery, one of the blood vessels that provides blood to the heart, tears away from the outer layer. This causes a restriction in the blood flow to the heart and can therefore cause a heart attack. SCAD is most common in women under 50 and is the leading cause of heart attacks associated with pregnancy. 5. Restrictive cardiomyopathy What is restrictive cardiomyopathy? Restrictive Cardiomyopathy is the rarest form of cardiomyopathy, a group of conditions which affect the heart muscle, meaning it cannot effectively pump blood around the body. This often leads to heart failure. In restrictive cardiomyopathy, the walls of the heart chambers become rigid and prevent proper filling. It is mostly diagnosed in children and is thought to be inherited in some cases. To find out more about heart diseases visit our Heart Conditions pages If you have any concerns regarding your health, please speak to your doctor. You can call NHS 111 for non-urgent medical enquiries or call 999 for urgent, emergency medical attention. The content of this website is for education and information only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Related pages
Richard Brown Posted on February 17, 2023May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill It is with great sadness we share the passing of much-loved Heart Research UK trustee Richard Brown. He passed away aged 76, on 11th January 2023. Richard had been a trustee with Heart Research UK since 2007. During his tenure he served term as Chair of Trustees followed by taking on the important role as Chair of the Finance Committee. As Chair of Trustees, Richard oversaw Heart Research UK’s steady growth, ensuring our long-term financial stability while helping to introduce several innovative and vital developments to the charity’s core activity. Throughout the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, Richard prioritised staff wellbeing and employed a number of trustee-led initiatives to ensure that staff were appropriately looked after throughout extremely difficult times. His invaluable contribution as a trustee has meant we can continue to raise vital funds to support those living with heart diseases. Richard was a huge part of Heart Research UK for many years and will be much missed, his knowledge, attitude, and desire to do the right thing are attributes that will continue to guide all of us in the coming months and years. We continue to keep Richard’s family in our thoughts as they go through this difficult time.
‘Less Sweet More Heart’ with MyFitnessPal Posted on February 16, 2023May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill To kick off Heart Month 2023, we partnered with MyFitnessPal for a pop-up event at Observation Point in London, with health checks for the public and striking anatomical heart made entirely of sugar on show. Did you know that the average male Brit consumes 83% more sugar than the recommended allowance each year? Too much sugar in the diet can lead to weight gain and obesity, which can increase your blood pressure and your risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Over two million people are living with CHD in the UK and it’s one of the biggest killers. A team from Heart Research UK were at Observation Point the whole day, checking people’s blood pressure and body composition, talking through the results and giving out nutritional advice. The team was led by Dr Helen Flaherty, Director of Health Promotion and Education and registered nutritionist. On show were also two anatomical hearts made entirely of sugar, one weighing 10,950g which is the recommended yearly allowance, and the other one weighing 20,075g which is what the average Brit consumes. Sarah, a woman who had her health checked by the Heart Research UK team, said she came along to the event to make sure her blood sugar was okay. “I have been trying to exercise and get fit but it’s a lifelong battle. I started because I found out my cholesterol levels are raised. “I’m aware that there’s a lot of hidden sugar in food, but I didn’t know that people eat so much more than what’s recommended. I try to be aware of what I eat but at the end of the day we’ve all got a sweet tooth. I just want to try and keep fit as long as possible.”
How to reduce your sugar intake this Heart Month Posted on February 1, 2023May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Olivia Schofield Sugar can have a bittersweet effect when it comes to our health. Having too much sugar in your diet can lead to weight gain, which in turn puts you at a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease. So, to mark the start of Heart Month, Heart Research UK has teamed up with MyFitnessPal to encourage people to reduce their sugar intake. A survey conducted by MyFitnessPal found that sugar is the number one thing people are trying to eat less of, and it is also the thing most people feel guilty about eating. Over half of the people questioned said they would like to reduce their sugar intake, but they were surprised to learn that added sugars are hidden in many common foods. So, with the average male consuming 83% more than the UK recommendation, how can you become more aware of your sugar intake? Check food labels for added sugars Sugar is often added to many common foods and drinks including cakes, biscuits, pudding, sweets, chocolate, drinks, and sweetened yogurts to name a few. Checking food labels in these products can let you determine if the food is high in sugar or not. Foods high in sugar contain 22.5g or more of total sugars per 100g and foods low in sugar contain 5g or less of total sugars per 100g.Free sugars Often ‘free sugars’ can also be added to foods as a flavour enhancement or to act as a preservative to increase the shelf-life of a product. Added sugar can be listed in several ways but key ingredients to look out for include sucrose, glucose, maltose, fructose, dextrose, honey, syrup, molasses, treacle, or fruit juice concentrates. It’s also important to know the amount of sugar you are eating daily. If you are unsure how much sugar you should be consuming, it is recommended that: For children between the ages of four and six the maximum free sugar per day is 19g For children between the ages of seven and 10 the maximum free sugar per day is 24g For adults, the maximum free sugar per day is 30g Make drink swaps Limiting sweet treats in your diet by consuming them less often or in smaller portions can decrease your intake of sugar. If you add sugar to hot drinks, try cutting back on the amount of sugar you add or opt for an artificial sweetener. You can even try swapping sugary soft drinks for water, sugar-free or reduced-sugar drinks. Other options include unsweetened fruit juices and smoothies, which are low in sugar, but try limiting your intake to no more than 150ml a day. Dessert and breakfast swaps Switching out sugary desserts for low-fat or low-sugar yogurts with fruit, can also reduce the amount of sugar you are consuming. If you have a sweet tooth and want a sugary pudding, try eating smaller portions. Another way to cut down on your sugar is to be careful of your sugar intake at breakfast time. Often, frosted, chocolate or honey coated breakfast cereals are high in sugar. Try replacing these with wholegrain breakfast cereals, such as bran flakes. Following this advice should help you to reduce your sugar intake and lower your risk of developing health complications including coronary heart disease. If you are interested in more heart healthy tips, you can sign up to our Healthy Tips here.
Community healthy eating event in Leeds Posted on November 2, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Ebba Ritzen Heart Research UK recently teamed up with Leeds Beckett University, the University of Leeds and Feel Good Factor to host an African and African-Caribbean community health event in Chapeltown, Leeds. The aim of the event was to raise awareness of the importance of nutrition, and to empower people in the community to make healthier food choices. Leeds Beckett University describes how traditional foods are central in the diets of UK Black Africans and Black Caribbeans, but free resources on healthy eating and nutrition in the UK include a very limited number of traditional African and Caribbean foods. It can therefore be difficult for GPs and health and social care organisations to support Black Africans and Black Caribbeans to improve their health. At the event, visitors were given recipe cards of healthier versions of traditional African and Caribbean beverages, dishes, and snacks, such as ackee and saltfish, goat curry and jerk chicken. The recipes have been created by researchers at Leeds Beckett University and the University of Leeds, in collaboration with members of the local community. The dishes were prepared for people to sample during the event. Heart Research UK’s Healthy Heart Coaches carried out blood pressure, cholesterol and body composition checks and also provided lifestyle advice where needed. This included advice on diet, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption. In total, 42 health checks were carried out and 20 people were referred to their GP due to high cholesterol or high blood pressure. 17 people were found to have high or very high blood pressure and 16 people had raised cholesterol levels, putting them at an increased risk of heart disease. Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion and Education at Heart Research UK, said: “We’re really pleased with how the event went, a great collaboration between important stakeholders in Leeds and a positive step towards creating a healthier community. “It’s clear that these kinds of initiatives are needed in communities, shown by the number of people whose health checks resulted in them being referred to their GPs. “Hopefully we’ll be able to host many more events like this one in the future, making great use of funds donated to us by the public.”
What is ‘broken-heart syndrome’? Posted on November 2, 2022May 29, 2025 by Sarah Gill Ever heard of someone suffering from a broken heart? Although it might sound like a non-medical term, it is actually a real heart condition. ‘Broken-heart syndrome’ is also known as ‘stress-induced cardiomyopathy’, or more officially takotsubo cardiomyopathy. As you can tell from the name, this syndrome is a type of cardiomyopathy, a group of diseases that weaken the heart muscle and its ability to pump blood, and affect how electrical impulses spread through the heart. The syndrome is more common in women than men, mostly occurring in post-menopausal women. It is triggered by severe emotional or physical stress, such as a bereavement, and is thought to be caused by a surge in stress hormones, particularly adrenaline. The different types of cardiomyopathy affect the heart in different ways. ‘Broken-heart syndrome’ results in a weakening of the left ventricle, which is responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood around the body. The condition is very rare, and usually temporary and reversible. If you have any concerns regarding your health, please speak to your doctor. You can call NHS 111 for non-urgent medical enquiries or call 999 for urgent, emergency medical attention. The content of this website is for education and information only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.
Heart Research UK founder turns 100 Posted on October 20, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill David Watson, the founder of Heart Research UK, is celebrating his 100th birthday. This is a chance for us to reflect on the incredible impact Mr Watson has had on heart research. Mr Watson first qualified in 1945 after training at various hospitals in London, and moved to what was then the regional cardiothoracic centre in Killingbeck, Leeds. To the Yorkshire Post, he says: “There was, really, no heart surgery at all. As a student, it was considered a thing of the future. I always wanted to be involved in this new surgical adventure into heart disease, which was initially considered very dangerous. However, with the advent of artificial circulation, it opened up this whole new field of heart surgery. ”But heart surgery still carried a lot of risks, which frustrated Mr Watson, especially following the death of a young patient after a long operation. In 1967, this pushed him to found what was then the National Heart Research Fund with the aim of making surgery safer. He launched an appeal with the Yorkshire Evening Post to raise funds to research ways of improving the safety at a time when 70 percent of heart attacks ended in death. “So I decided to found a new charity, specifically to try and reduce this risk of heart surgery. Now, of course, from a small beginning it has grown considerably and I’m very proud that at the present time they contribute something like over £2 million a year to research, development, education and treatment of heart disease,” Mr Watson says. In 1976, he developed an artificial heart valve which became the prototype for those used in heart surgery today. It was one of the most durable and reliable valves created and was used for 30 years. Then in 1979 Heart Research UK funded six of the first eight successful UK heart transplants, carried out by Sir Terence English at Papworth Hospital, breaking the moratorium on UK heart transplants after being deemed too dangerous in the late 1960s.“I supported his programme at a time when he couldn’t get funding from either the NHS or the British Heart Foundation. It was our support that enabled him to proceed,” Mr Watson says. Heart surgery is now safer than ever. Around 31,000 heart operations are carried out every year in the UK, with mortality rates steadily falling since the 1960s. Mr Watson remained a trustee and chairman of Heart Research UK for a number of years after retirement and, at 100 years old, is still our president.
The new edition of Pulse is here! Posted on October 7, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill You can finally read the latest edition of our magazine Pulse. The latest edition of Pulse is finally here. It’s been a while since our last edition, and we’re excited to show you the new one. The new Pulse is slightly shorter than you might be used to. This is because we’ll be launching a new Pulse Hub right here on our website, where you can keep up to date with our amazing supporters, our pioneering medical research and how we invest in communities to prevent heart disease. But for now, don’t forget to check out any new articles on our Latest News page, and please enjoy the new edition of Pulse. You can expect everything from highlights of what we’ve been up to and news about our Healthy Heart at Work programme, to everything you need to know about our latest campaign HER Disease. And as always, a big thank you to our supporters.
New corporate partnership – Assured Mobility Ltd Posted on October 5, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill We are delighted to welcome our new corporate partner, Assured Mobility Ltd. Assured Mobility Ltd, are a family-run business and specialists in a range of mobility products that support independent living. Many of their customers are living with heart failure and other serious health conditions, and this year-long partnership will both raise funds towards research into heart failure and help their staff better understand their customers’ needs. “Heart Research UK are a great charity with a real purpose at the core. Being research and cure focused they can make a real improvement to people’s lives, which mirrors our values as a business. Being a smaller charity means they are available to help make the fundraising process as effective as possible. We are really looking forward to seeing the fruits of our labours over the next year.” David Eatwell, Director Their fundraising activity will include donations on a range of products, a donation for every customer review, a Christmas Raffle, ‘The Big Stich’, coffee mornings and a sponsored Tough Mudder. You can donate here: Assured Mobility is fundraising for Heart Research UK (justgiving.com) Thank you so much, David and Team. We look forward to the year ahead.
A beginner’s guide to collecting art Posted on October 4, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Olivia Schofield Being an art novice can be daunting, especially when you’re surrounded by collectors who have years of experience. However, buying your first artwork should spark enjoyment as the piece can be a great investment for years to come. Art sales have also been on the rise. An annual report by Art Basel and UBS Global Art in 2022 estimated that across the world art sales had exceeded $65.1 billion in 2021, with an increase in sales by 29%. This increase in demand means that now might be the perfect time to start your journey as a collector. To help you on your way to become an expert collector, we have a few top tips to make the process enjoyable and so you feel confident in your future art endeavours. Get familiar with different art genres and artists Art is not simply made up of one type of genre and over the years artists and art lovers alike have welcomed a myriad of textures, colours and styles. From Modern Art to Surrealism, there is a plethora of styles to choose from and finding your favourite style can be overwhelming. It’s important to get to grips with the different art genres before venturing into buying a piece of artwork. For a quick overview for spotting the different art genres, we recommend reading our article on your basic guide to art genres and where they work best in your home. This will give you a basic understanding of genres so you can find what best suits you. Trust your personal style and taste After brushing up on your genres. It is time to assess what you really like and want out of your piece of art. Art is about representing your individuality and taste. The art you are buying and placing on the walls of your home should be something you enjoy. So, when buying a piece of art, make sure you assess whether the piece is the right match for you and your home. It is not worth buying a piece spontaneously and not liking it in years to come. Does it match your interior design? It’s worth assessing your own personal space. What interior design do you have? What colour palette are you looking for? Having the wrong mixture, and clashing colours can create a space which is chaotic. For example, having an extremely modern interior wouldn’t match the bright and loud colours found in Pop Art. So, make sure you write a checklist of what you want in your home and how it will best suit your lifestyle. This means when you’re considering buying the artwork, you know it’ll perfectly compliment your space. Set your budget It’s easy to spend large amount on a piece of art you think will be worth the investment. However, a mistake some buyers can make is buying art which is too expensive to then never generate any profit back. Now you’ve read our beginners guide on collecting art, why not start your own collection by bagging a piece of artwork in the anonymous heART project auction. Not only will you be bringing your dream collection to life, but you will be funding vital research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart diseases.
Suffolk heart health project for women receives £9,000 grant Posted on September 30, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Ebba Ritzen A new initiative from Suffolk charity ActivLives working to improve the heart health of women 55+ has received a £9,000 grant from Heart Research UK. The main aims of Ipswich-based ActivLives is to support and motivate people to improve their physical and mental health and general wellbeing whilst keeping people connected with their communities. The new project, ActivHearts Ladies Hub, will target women aged 55+, in particular those at high risk of heart disease. The weekly sessions will provide a non-judgmental place for women to meet to learn about healthy lifestyle, get advice and information from experts and also have a place to talk about their health and concerns with others. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the UK’s biggest killers and in Suffolk, an estimated 100,000 people were affected in 2017. It’s also estimated that high blood pressure affects more than a quarter of Suffolk’s population and that only four in ten adults in Suffolk with high blood pressure are both aware of their condition and are managing it properly. High blood pressure is a key risk factor for suffering a heart attack. The women participating in the new project will receive a health check initially and will also give their feedback after each session on how they feel they’re meeting their goals. The community group is wanting to see if this more focused approach can better help support and motivate people to improve their lifestyle and health The grant is part of Heart Research UK’s Healthy Heart Grants, awarded across the UK to local groups starting up new projects to improve the heart health of their community. ActivLives also received one of these grants back in 2013, for their Nordic walking programme for over 45’s mainly from deprived areas. Julie Stokes, Chief Executive Officer at ActivLives, said: “It’s wonderful to receive another Healthy Heart Grant to enable us to start up this women’s heart health hub. Working with Heart Research UK has been great and we look forward to keep promoting an active lifestyle and the importance of community for everyone’s wellbeing.” Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion and Education at Heart Research UK, said: “We’re pleased to award another Healthy Heart Grant to ActivLives, after the success of the previous one. “23,000 women in the UK die of coronary heart disease every year, and therefore it’s important that groups such as ActivLives provide opportunities for people to learn about positive lifestyle changes they can make and share their experiences with other people.”
Research receives funding to develop new way to diagnose life-threatening cardiovascular condition Posted on September 14, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Ebba Ritzen Aortic dissection is a rare but life-threatening condition where there is a tear in the inner wall of the aorta, the main artery in the body that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A research project at the University of Dundee has now been awarded a £200,000 grant by Heart Research UK, to develop a faster test for better diagnosing the condition and hopefully save more lives.More people die in the UK of aortic dissection every year than in road accidents. The condition has a survival rate of less than 50%, often thought to be due to missed or delayed diagnosis when people arrive in hospital. Dissection is often caused by an underlying aortic aneurysm, a swelling or bulging of the aorta. These often have no symptoms up to the point of dissection. This is why it is important that we improve the diagnosis of acute aortic dissection, as well as improve how we measure the risk of dissection for those with a known aortic aneurysm. Dr Huang and the project he leads are trying to do just that. Previous research has discovered a substance called desmosine that, when present in the blood, indicates damage to the aorta. The levels of desmosine in the blood can also accurately predict the severity of an aortic aneurysm and the risk of it dissecting. This has led to the possibility that desmosine can be used to diagnose and predict risk of dissection, but unfortunately the process for measuring the desmosine levels takes too long for it to be useful in an emergency. Dr Huang’s project aims to shorten the analysis time so that desmosine can be used in emergency situations and hopefully improve the numbers of people who survive aortic dissection. Dr Jeffrey Huang said: “Quicker diagnoses of aortic dissection could change the game in emergency situations, which would be a turning point in improving survival and long-term outcomes for these patients. The discovery of desmosine also has significant potential in informing us about the risk of dissection in aortic aneurysms, which would help patients to make informed decisions about their own care.” Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive at Heart Research UK, said: “We’re pleased to be awarding one of our Novel and Emerging Technologies grants to Dr Huang and his team. The number of people dying from aortic dissection is devastating and a quicker and better way of diagnosing the condition would save lives.”
New research uses AI in hope to improve outcomes for patients with aortic aneurysms Posted on September 14, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Ebba Ritzen Swelling or bulging of the body’s main blood vessel can lead to dissection or rupture, which is often fatal. New research at Imperial College London will use artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse which aneurysms are most likely to rupture, which could lead to better monitoring and save more lives. The research project has received a Novel and Emerging Technologies Grant of £220,000 from Heart Research UK. The aorta is the main blood vessel in the body and a thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a swelling or bulging of the aorta in the chest. Although a TAA can remain stable in the body for years, once it grows beyond a certain point there’s a risk of an aortic dissection or rupture. Both these events can be fatal. Despite being a rare condition, aortic dissection kills more people in the UK each year than road traffic accidents. Around one third of cases of aortic dissection are misdiagnosed and 50% of people die before reaching a specialist centre. This is why it’s very important that patients with TAA are monitored closely. If the aneurysm is small, surveillance through scans is recommended, but if it’s bigger than 5.4cm the patient is often offered surgery to replace that section of the aorta. But the decision to have surgery is difficult and involves deciding whether the benefits outweigh the risks. Also, 60% of aneurysms have been found to rupture below the size cut off point. As these acute conditions are life-threatening, improvements in surveillance are needed. Professor O’Regan and his team will use AI technology to analyse CT scans of thoracic aortas and generate 3D images. Not only will this give more accurate measurement of aneurysms, but it will also allow clinicians to establish which section of the aorta is under the most stress. Additionally, using data from thousands of patients with TAAs, the team hopes that the AI technology will be able to predict which aneurysms are at the greatest risk of dissection or rupture. Professor O’Regan said: “We’re pleased to have received a grant from Heart Research UK for this research, which will have major benefits to both patients and healthcare professionals. “For patients, it will reduce anxiety around aneurysms and allow them to make more informed decisions about surgery if the time comes. For healthcare services, it will enable more accurate and efficient analysis of scans that will greatly benefit the NHS screening and surveillance programmes, ultimately with the view to decrease the number of acute aortic events and save lives.” Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive of Heart Research UK, said: “This is a project that is highly deserving of one of our Novel and Emerging Technologies Grants. The project is using some of the latest and most innovative developments and ultimately aims to decrease the number of acute aortic events and save more lives.”
A statement about the HER Disease campaign Posted on September 9, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill In light of the deeply sad news regarding the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, we’ve decided to temporarily pause our women’s awareness campaign for the entirety of the 17 days of royal mourning. We note that the TV commercial is currently still being shown on ITV3 and ITV Be, and we are in ongoing conversations with our media buyer to do all that we can to withdraw the commercial for the time-being. Whilst we are extremely proud of the HER Disease campaign and will continue to spread the important message, we acknowledge that it could cause some distress. Out of respect to the nation we feel pausing the campaign is the right decision.
Helping hearts runs in the family Posted on September 7, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Ebba Ritzen London Marathon 2022 is taking place on the 2nd of October. This year’s race follows a record-breaking year with roughly 40,000 people taking part in 2021. We’re lucky to always have so many amazing people running the London Marathon for us, and this year is no different. Among our runners this year there are actually two people with family ties to the charity!Phoebe WatsonPhoebe is the granddaughter of Dr David Watson, who founded Heart Research UK in 1967 after the death of a young patient. She’s running the marathon for the second time, admitting she feels terrified as she hurt her knee last time. Still, running for Heart Research UK is very important to her, and she’s proud of the work her grandfather did. “I don’t work in science or healthcare myself, so being able to contribute to the funding of more research by running feels great,” Phoebe says. Phoebe has a friend who’s had a heart problem since they were a baby, and it’s because of research that this person is still here today. Perhaps even research that her grandfather was able to support. Mathew’s dad is Kevin Watterson, a retired cardiac surgeon and one of our trustees. Mathew used to be a big runner about 10 years ago, doing events like Marathon Des Sables, a 251 km ultramarathon in the Sahara Desert. After a few busy years, turning 40 has inspired him to pick it back up again, to stay healthy for his family. Mathew didn’t think a lot about his dad’s job until a few years ago, when his wife mentioned his last name to someone at work. The colleague looked shocked for a second and asked if Mathew was Kevin Watterson’s son. The colleague then told the story of their daughter who had been extremely ill as a baby and needed multiple heart operations over the years to repair it. She initially had limited life expectancy, but luckily she was now 19 and healthy. They were incredibly grateful to Kevin Watterson and said they didn’t think the daughter would be alive without him and his work. Having his own kids, these stories have haunted Mathew, and he’s very keen to raise money for researchers to carry on the great cause that his dad contributed to. 50 years ago, 80% of babies born with a heart defect died, but now 80% survive, due to the great research being funded across the world. “Although most babies born with a heart defect now survive, 20% of them still don’t. Hopefully with more money for research, they might do in the future,” Mathew says. Mathew has a brilliant Instagram page (@one.more.beat) where you can follow his journey of training for the marathon, including some healthy heart tips from his dad who is his biggest supporter. His dad also ran the marathon for us back in 2004. Phoebe Watson says: “I don’t work in science or healthcare myself, so being able to contribute to the funding of more research by running feels great.” Mathew Watterson says: “Although most babies born with a heart defect now survive, 20% of them still don’t. Hopefully with more money for research, they might do in the future.”
New study finds vaping benefits blood vessel health as much as other nicotine replacements Posted on September 5, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Ebba Ritzen A new study at Sheffield Hallam University investigating e-cigarettes’ effects on the blood vessels has found that they are as beneficial for the cardiovascular system as conventional nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT) when stopping smoking .It is estimated that there are 10 million cigarette smokers in the UK and 1.3 billion in the world. Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death worldwide, with the majority of these deaths due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Around 78,000 people in the UK die from smoking each year. Stopping smoking will reduce the risk of CVD, but even the best methods have high relapse rates of over 75% within a year. The e-cigarette has already been embraced by the public and is considered to be the number one aid to stop smoking among those who want to quit. By 2020 they were being used by 27% of smokers attempting to quit, compared with 18% who used NRT. But although e-cigarettes have been found to help people smoke fewer cigarettes and appear to have a relatively small number of side effects, until now, little has been known about their effects on the heart and circulatory system and risk of developing CVD. The research project, funded by Heart Research UK and led by Dr Klonizakis, involved 248 smokers who wanted to stop smoking and who were randomly divided into three groups. One group received nicotine-rich e-cigarettes, another nicotine-free e-cigarettes and the third received conventional NRT. All groups also received behavioural change support that NHS stop smoking services provide. The main focus of the study was to find out how the three aids affect the cardiovascular system. It was found that there were immediate, positive effects on the small arteries and veins, with no significant difference between the three groups, and these benefits were most pronounced in those who smoked more than 20 cigarettes per day. The improvement in blood vessel health persisted both in the medium (three months after stopping smoking) and longer-term (six months after stopping) in all three groups, without any difference between the groups. The results show that e-cigarettes offer similar benefits to blood vessel health compared to established stop smoking methods and reduce CVD risk. This will help smokers make an informed decision about which option to choose. The research is also important because it may influence changes to the national ‘Stop Smoking’ strategy and the NICE guidelines on the use of e-cigarettes, and help to improve regulation of the e-cigarettes industry. The findings have recently been published in BMC Medicine. Dr Markos Klonizakis said: ‘Vaping is used widely both as a stop smoking aid and a recreational tool, overtaking smoking. Although our work doesn’t suggest that it is safe for the general population, it confirms that vaping can benefit the arteries and small of veins of people wishing to stop smoking. This is a ground-breaking finding, complementing previous work in the field. Hopefully, our work can help people and policy makers make the right decisions, to support smoking cessation.’ Helen Wilson, Head of Research at Heart Research UK, said: ‘Stopping smoking is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. E-cigarettes have become a very popular choice for people wanting to give up smoking but until now, little was known about their effects on the heart and blood vessels. This study provides important new evidence to help people make an informed decision about which aid to stop smoking they choose. We are proud to have funded this important study.’
New research sets out to improve the lives of people living with heart failure Posted on August 1, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Ebba Ritzen A research project at the University of Leeds aiming to find an easier way to establish the optimum heart rate for heart failure patients with pacemakers, has received a £200,000 grant from Heart Research UK. This could reduce symptoms of heart failure and enable patients to be more physically active, which would improve their lives.Heart failure is a condition where the heart fails to pump enough blood around the body, and it’s a long-term condition that gradually gets worse over time. People with heart failure often suffer from breathlessness and fatigue, often to the point where something as simple as walking up the stairs can be an overwhelming task. When healthy people exercise, their heart rates increase together with heart pumping power so that more blood is pumped to the muscles. In heart failure, this relationship is disrupted, meaning that above an optimal heart rate range, the heart’s pumping power actually decreases. Also, some of the medication prescribed to people with heart failure limit how fast the heart can beat, which can contribute to the breathlessness and fatigue experienced during physical activity. Around 30% of people with heart failure will get a pacemaker implanted in the chest, which can increase the heart rate during physical activity. An ultrasound scan of the heart, called echocardiography, can be used to measure each person’s individual optimal heart rate and programme the pacemaker accordingly. However, echocardiography is a very time consuming and expensive process, and therefore it is often inaccessible. The new research project, led by Dr John Gierula, will instead use a different monitoring device which uses blood pressure cuffs around the fingers, to establish this optimum heart rate. This procedure is very cheap compared to echocardiography and can be carried out in minutes. The researchers aim to find out if this method is a valid alternative to the original heart scan method. If it is shown to be as effective, it could be incorporated within routine practice in the NHS.Dr John Gierula Dr John Gierula said: ‘We’re hoping this method will prove to be an accurate and cost-efficient alternative to echocardiography. Overall, the study represents a step closer to widespread personalised pacemaker programming, which has the potential to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with heart failure and pacemakers across the world.’ Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive at Heart Research UK, said: ‘We know that many patients with heart failure struggle to be physically active, even with a pacemaker implanted. That’s why we’re so pleased to give one of our Novel and Emerging Technologies Grants to Dr Gierula and his team. They are aiming to develop a new method for personalising pacemaker programming and improve these patients’ lives, which is ultimately what our research grants are all about.’
New research: Can mobile health tech improve uptake of cardiac rehabilitation? Posted on July 14, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Ebba Ritzen The NHS aims to increase the uptake of cardiac rehabilitation to 85% by 2028, to improve quality of life and outcomes for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). A research project at Liverpool John Moores University has now received a £120,000 grant from Heart Research UK, to investigate if mobile health technology can help the NHS in this important effort. Cardiac rehabilitation is a programme of supervised exercise prescribed to people with CHD when they’re discharged from hospital. The patients attend weekly sessions at a local hospital or community centre. The benefits of the programme are clear – it improves quality of life, reduces readmission to hospital and the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Despite these benefits, the uptake of cardiac rehabilitation is low, with only around half of those who are prescribed it actually attending the sessions. There also tends to be a significant delay between discharge from hospital and starting the rehabilitation, which may well be contributing to the limited uptake. The new research, led by Professor Helen Jones, will use mobile health technology (mhealth) to provide a bridging solution between hospital discharge and supervised rehabilitation. This will allow patients to start a homebased walking programme soon after they are discharged from hospital. Using a combination of an app, smartphone and a wearable tracking device, they’ll be able to track their own exercise whilst also receiving advice and feedback from trained exercise professionals. The participants will also be asked to measure their blood pressure, weight and how they’re feeling in themselves. The study will involve two groups, one will receive standard care and the other will be testing the mhealth intervention. The researchers will then establish whether this technology improves both uptake of cardiac rehab and overall wellbeing in patients. The new technology has the potential to encourage more people to attend cardiac rehabilitation sessions, helping the NHS to increase the uptake to 85% by 2028. This could in turn improve the quality of life and overall outcome for patients with CHD. Professor Jones said: ‘Health technology is both cost-effective and highly accessible, and this kind of healthcare allows services to reach those who previously might have fallen through the gaps in care. We’re hoping this will improve uptake of cardiac rehabilitation which sadly doesn’t get utilised fully currently.’ Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive at Heart Research UK, said: ‘Cardiac rehabilitation has such great benefits for both patient and the healthcare system, and increasing the uptake is therefore very important. We’re pleased to award one of our Novel and Emerging Technologies Grants to Professor Jones and this project which aims to encourage more people to attend cardiac rehab sessions and ultimately improve quality of life for patients.’
Student artist to be showcased in celebrity art auction for the anonymous heART project Posted on July 6, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Ebba Ritzen This year marks the fifth anniversary of our anonymous heART project and to celebrate, we partnered with law firm Walker Morris to offer an exclusive opportunity to the students at Leeds Arts University. The anonymous heART project launched in 2018 and is an innovative fundraising campaign that sees top artists and celebrities produce unique pieces anonymously, which are then auctioned online. All proceeds go towards helping fund vital medical research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease. This year’s auction will add to the £200,000 raised over the last four years. The students at Leeds Arts University were asked to submit a concept for an A5 postcard, with an open brief that could include textile, illustration, photography, music or creative writing – as long as it fits onto an A5 postcard. This year’s finalists have been named as: Aalia Ashraf – Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, Juliet Gaskell – level 5 BA (Hons) Visual Communication, Louise Allen – MA Creative Practice, Nicole Chang – level 5 BA (Hons) Visual Communication, Lauren Crawford – level 5 BA (Hons) Illustration and Thea Wormald – level 4 BA (Hons) Fine Art. The winning design will be commissioned and auctioned as part of the anonymous heART auction alongside professional artists and celebrities taking part in the project. The winner will also receive £1,000 in prize money. Walker Morris sponsored the first anonymous heART project in 2018 and again in 2021. This year’s auction will go live on eBay on 4 November and will see up to 500 A5 creations auctioned, including pieces from Ashley Jackson, Sarah Graham, Ralph Steadman, Andrew J Millar, Naomi Vona, Otto Schade and Bambi. However – the artist’s name will only be revealed once the piece has been sold and received by its new owner. David Smedley, Chairman of the LLP and a judge for this project, said: ‘Walker Morris is immensely proud to be sponsoring the anonymous heART project again this year, as well as being able to offer this unique opportunity to the extremely talented students of Leeds Arts University. The quality of the work has been incredible and the piece we chose as the winner is a tremendous piece of art – a standout piece in my view – about togetherness and support that sends all the right messages in these challenging times.’ Rachel Brooke, the anonymous heART project lead at Heart Research UK, said: ‘Being part of the judging panel has been such a pleasure and what a fantastic opportunity to see some very different and diverse pieces of art. All the submissions were inspired and had a real mix of techniques, styles and artistic vision, which made the task of choosing just one winner incredibly difficult. A lot of the pieces had a strong sense of bringing people together which is something that we try to do at Heart Research UK. We keep families together for longer through our investment into medical research and our work in local communities.’
Grant awarded to improve heart health in Scotland Posted on July 6, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Ebba Ritzen A community group tackling disadvantages and improving lives in Cambuslang and Rutherglen has received a grant of over £9,000 from Heart Research UK. The grant has been awarded to a new heart health project which aims to help improve the physical and mental health of the local people. Lanarkshire charity Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust works with people of all ages across their whole population. However, the group’s main focus is on helping those in challenging circumstances. They support many residents who are lonely and isolated, stressed and experiencing a range of other physical and mental health challenges. These challenges are often exacerbated by poverty and can have a negative effect on the heart. Heart and circulatory diseases kill more than one in four in South Lanarkshire and in 2020, ischaemic heart disease was the leading cause of death for men in the region. The group has now received a Healthy Heart Grant from Heart Research UK for their new project. These grants are awarded across the UK to initiatives promoting heart health in their local community. Healthy n Happy’s exciting project, which will be starting in July, aims to provide local residents with a wide range of outdoor activities in green spaces across Cam Glen. It will support residents to improve their physical and mental health. The money for the grant was raised through Heart Research UK’s partnership with Subway®, by instore donations across the country. Since 2001, Heart Research UK has awarded over 300 of these grants, directly benefitting the hearts of over 70,000 individuals and countless wider community and family members across all regions of the UK. Brendan Rooney, Executive Director at Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust, said: ‘We’re so thrilled to have the support of Heart Research UK, which enables us to develop and deliver our new programme. ‘We will support participants to get involved in walking, cycling, food growing, cooking and healthy eating (with access to local food produce) and mental health support. We want people to have fun, choose activities and tools that best fit their personal situation, and work with them to build their confidence and skills”. Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive at Heart Research UK, said: ‘We know that there’s a high prevalence of heart disease in Scotland, something we are determined to combat. We’re pleased to be granting this funding to Happy n Healthy so that they can further provide accessible advice on how to keep and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This is what the Healthy Heart Grants are all about – helping people live happier, healthier and longer lives.’
Health check day at Liverpool primary school to improve locals’ heart health Posted on July 5, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Ebba Ritzen In June, we partnered with Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (LHCH) and Liverpool FC Foundation (LFC) for a day of health checks and heart health education at Fazakerley Primary School in Liverpool. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the largest cause of premature deaths in deprived areas, but it’s also been identified as the single biggest area where the NHS can save lives over the next 10 years. This inspired Heart Research UK, LHCH and LFC to create a project to improve the heart health of the local Liverpool population. Nearly half of the city’s primary schools are in highly deprived areas*, and this is where the project will direct its efforts. The health check day at Fazakerley Primary School was a pilot and we’re hoping to roll out the same concept in other schools and areas. An American style school bus was parked outside the school all day for teachers, carers, and parents to learn more about blood pressure, heart rhythm, and lungs with the opportunity to get their blood pressure and cholesterol checked by LHCH nurses. Healthcare professionals were also giving out healthy lifestyle advice and signposting to services like smoking cessation. In total, 101 people attended the bus during the day and they all found it both useful and informative. Nurses found that 16% of the attendees had raised blood pressure, and although a single reading is not a diagnosis, for some this will be the first important step on the way to confirm high blood pressure and management to their risk of developing heart disease. 45 people were advised to make contact with their GP for a variety of health reasons which included further blood pressure check, pulse check, smoking cessation referral amongst other reasons. Through our own Primary School Programme, the children in Year 6 were also educated on the importance of heart health. They were taken on an exciting journey through the heart, using virtual reality and computer games. The programme is entirely free for schools to sign up to and covers all the heart and circulatory points on the KS2 curriculum. Liverpool FC Foundation also delivered an after-school PE lesson that the children took part in. *The deprivation data has been provided by Intel Analytics at Liverpool City Council and is based on 2019 data collection and therefore may be subject to change.
International Women’s Day: The women whose research we’re funding Posted on July 3, 2022May 26, 2025 by Sarah Gill The 8th of March marks International Women’s Day and we’d like to take the opportunity to highlight some of the amazing women working in heart research, whose projects we’re funding Professor Gillian Gray, University of Edinburgh Gillian Gray is Professor of Cardiovascular Pharmacology at the University of Edinburgh. Her team discovered that a drug originally developed to treat obesity and diabetes also promotes repair of the heart after a heart attack and reduces the development of heart failure. The drug acts early after heart attack to prevent the spread of injury in the heart muscle and therefore has the potential to benefit many patients. The project we’re funding is investigating the benefits of the drug over existing drugs to treat heart failure and is looking further into the effects the drug has on the heart. Dr Amrit Daffu-O’Reilly, University of Leeds Dr Daffu-O’Reilly works at the University of Leeds as a Senior Researcher. Her research interest is in behaviour change to prevent and manage disease, reducing health inequalities and minority ethnic health. The research we’re funding is exploring perceptions of langar (a holy food offering) among the Sikh community. South Asian people living in the UK have up to a 50% higher risk of developing coronary heart disease compared to the general population, due to a variety of reasons. It has been suggested that a less than healthy diet and low physical activity levels are key contributors. In the place of worship in the Sikh community, the Gurdwara, a free meal is served, called langar, which tends to be high in calories. Dr Daffu-O’Reilly and her team is working together with two Sikh Gurdwaras, with the long-term plan of developing a toolkit to make healthy changes and lead by example, locally, regionally, nationally and hopefully internationally as well. Professor Georgina Ellison-Hughes, King’s College Professor of Regenerative Muscle Physiology Georgina Ellison-Hughes is aiming to eliminate so-called ‘zombie’ cells, which could alleviate age-related cardiac deterioration. Ageing is the greatest risk factor for many life-threatening disorders and the build-up of ‘zombie’ cells promotes ageing and age-related conditions including cardiovascular disease. These cells refuse to die and release chemicals that can be harmful to nearby cells, eventually turning these into ‘zombie’ cells as well. Prof Ellison-Hughes is investigating whether a new group of drugs can eliminate and/or stop the harmful chemicals they produce. This can improve the survival and growth of heart muscle cells and their ability to repair the heart. Prof Ellison-Hughes has also delivered a TEDx talk on rejuvenating a broken heart. The talk describes her research which led to the discovery that the adult heart is a self-renewing organ and can grow new heart cells. Dr Anna Gavin, Queen’s University Belfast As the Founding Director of the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, Dr Anna Gavin’s project aims to establish a heart disease database for N. Ireland and link this with the cancer and stroke databases. The goal is to improve patient care and the outcomes for people in N. Ireland. Approximately 225,000 people are living with cardiovascular disease in N. Ireland, and it remains a major cause of death and disability. The linked databases should help scientists and doctors examine in more detail the trends in disease levels and the effects of prevention and treatments.
Information on Heart valve diseases Posted on July 1, 2022May 26, 2025 by Sarah Gill There are four valves that control the flow of blood through the heart and keep it flowing in the right direction. Any of the valves can be affected by problems, but in most cases, it involves the mitral or aortic valves. A diseased or damaged valve can affect the flow of blood in two ways: – stenosis – the valve does not open fully or becomes stiff, obstructing the flow of blood. regurgitation or valve incompetence – the valve does not close properly, allowing blood to leak backwards. Both stenosis and regurgitation can put extra strain on the heart. There are many causes of heart valve disease – it often results from ageing of the heart or may be an abnormality present at birth (eg bicuspid aortic valve). Other underlying conditions may lead to heart valve disease, also infection (infective endocarditits) and rheumatic fever (which is rare these days) can damage the valves. Mild cases may not need to be treated but if treatment is necessary, this depends on the type of valve disease and how badly the heart is affected. Medicines can help to take the strain off the heart and in more severe cases, heart valve surgery may be carried out: – valve repair – most often used with leaky mitral valves valve replacement – most often used with aortic valves There are two main types of replacement valves used – mechanical valves and tissue valves. Mechanical valves are designed to last a lifetime but there is a risk that a blood clot may develop on the surface of the valve which means that patients need to take anticoagulants for life. Replacement tissue valves have the disadvantage that they can wear out, so in younger people they may need to be replaced later in life in a repeat operation. Aortic valve replacement can be performed either through a small hole in the leg blood vessel (transcatheter aortic valve replacement or TAVI) or during cardiac surgery (surgical aortic valve replacement).
Belfast martial arts organisation to support youth with Healthy Heart Grant Posted on June 28, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Ebba Ritzen One of Northern Ireland’s leading martial arts organisations has received a grant from Heart Research UK for its new project which will give disadvantaged young people the tools and skills to keep a healthy lifestyle. Our Healthy Heart Grants fund community projects across the United Kingdom. ZKJ Dojo was set up in 1998 with the goal of promoting all aspects and benefits of martial arts. Since, it has grown into a key pillar in the community, working to engage young people on the margins of society in positive lifechanging activities. They recently won the World Amateur Award for Changing Lives through sport, and work with partners like Comic Relief to provide esteem building programmes for youths affected by negative influences in their lives. Studies the organisation have carried out with their young people have shown that they don’t bother to keep a healthy lifestyle, believing that what they do now won’t affect their health in the future. ZKJ want to change this. Their new project, called ‘You’re All Heart’, will target hard to reach people with a lifechanging programme which combines the many health benefits of martial arts with their youth work approach to build self-esteem and a positive attitude to long term health and nutritional goal setting. They want to create real bonds between participants and mentors with the aim to build self-confidence, resilience, and improve decision making in relation to keeping a healthy heart. The project’s home will be the well-known ZKJ Dojo which is open to participants from all over Newtownabbey and wider Belfast. These areas have the seen some of the highest levels of deprivation over the years which inevitably has affected young people’s health. People taking part in the project will be ages 5-30, where the youngest will be educated as a preventative aspect with the hope of teaching them early about lifestyle impact on the heart. The older participants are faced with a myriad of challenges in their lives such including unemployment and educational underachievement. This kind of stress can have bad impact on healthy habits and the heart and ZKJ are hoping their project will give their participants the tools and support to build a healthy future. Apart from free access to martial arts training, the participants will take part in workshops on all aspects of health such as nutrition, alcohol awareness and mindfulness. They’ll also become part of the coach mentoring team, developing their coaching skills for employment through working alongside qualified coaches and helping out with classes. Danny Corr, project leader at ZKJ, said: ‘We’re hoping to give these young people the tools and skills to set their own goals for their heart health, which would impact not only themselves but also the community very positively. ‘We know through our work that there’s a real gap in our young people’s awareness of how lifestyle affects the heart, so we’re very grateful to Heart Research UK for granting us the funding for this project.’ Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive at Heart Research UK, said: ‘Our Healthy Heart Grants are based on the belief that community organisations know best how to promote heart health in their own community. We’re pleased to award this grant to ZKJ and their project which supports young people in deprived areas to take charge of their own health.’
Lancashire project receives grant to improve heart health in recovering addicts Posted on May 16, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Ebba Ritzen People recovering from drug and alcohol addiction have a high risk of developing heart disease, yet there’s a lack of addiction or rehabilitation services that provide sufficient support and advice when it comes to heart health. This is something Lancashire-based 180 Project UK, who support drug users to turn their lives around, quickly realised through their work and by speaking to healthcare professionals. Their new heart-focused programme has now received a £10,000 grant from Heart Research UK. High stress levels and using drugs to cope lead to an increased risk of developing or suffering from heart disease or heart problems. Early recovery from drug addiction also brings its own dangers in the form of stress. 180 Project UK is determined that people’s past shouldn’t define their future. They aim to turn people’s lives around 180 degrees and break negative or unhealthy patterns of behaviour. To do this they mix physical exercise with education and life coaching. Currently, the organisation is seeing an increasing number of cocaine addicts who use their services. This is something they are also wanting to tackle as cocaine users are at the highest risk of having a serious cardiac event if they relapse. The new heart-focused project will bring together vulnerable people who are recovering from addiction problems due to trauma experienced early in life. 180 Project UK have previously seen how their participants tend to make poor food choices due to a lack of knowledge about the importance of nutrition and varied diet. The project leaders have noticed how the lack of healthy food are important underlying factors leading to both mental and physical health problems. This has shaped the new programme, which consists of preventative activities and educational content to inform and enable the participants to take interest and ownership of their own heart health, building their confidence and ability to help themselves. Each session will start with an hour’s CrossFit exercise to break down barriers and build trust. This is followed by therapeutic and educational workshops, covering topics like food and nutrition, stress management and barriers to change. Caroline Sagar, Chief Executive at 180 Project UK, said: ‘We’ve seen the need for a project that focuses on heart health for people in addiction recovery, and we’re so grateful for the support from Heart Research UK to help us make it reality. ‘We’re hoping that by combining our successful CrossFit sessions with education around food and nutrition and wellbeing, we can reduce the risk of heart disease for the people who come to us.’ Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive at Heart Research UK, said: ‘At Heart Research UK we’re proud to be able to fund a project that is so vital and well-needed in addiction recovery programmes. Just like 180 Project UK, our Healthy Heart Grants aim to help people live happier, healthier and longer lives.’
Lack of accessible health information for people with learning disabilities and autism – North East grant awarded Posted on May 12, 2022May 30, 2025 by Sarah Gill A charity working to support autistic people and people with learning disabilities across Gateshead and South Tyneside to become more heart healthy has received a £9,000 grant from charity Heart Research UK. Your Voice Counts, a not-for-profit community group, works with people with autism, learning disabilities and people who are at risk of exclusion due to disability, illness or other challenges. The charity supports people to make connections, supporting them to have a voice and control over their own lives. People with learning disabilities die approximately 14 to 18 years earlier than the rest of the population. One reason is the lack of accessible health information and guidance on how to make informed decisions about their lifestyle. Many of the people Your Voice Counts works with are financially struggling, which further increases the health inequalities they face. Through experience, the group has seen many of the people they support live on microwave meals, because they lack the knowledge or the skills to cook healthy meals on a budget. Your Voice Counts has found that the people they support need encouragement from their peers and the opportunity to learn in a way that suits their needs. This has informed their new project, ‘Heart Life’, funded by Heart Research UK, which consists of cooking classes and accessible workshops raising awareness of how to keep your heart healthy. The workshops are delivered by two peer educators with learning disabilities and/or autism, supported by a community connector. The sessions will be interactive, encouraging the participants to ask questions and share their own experiences. Everything to create an open space where people feel comfortable making their voice heard. The organisation is even producing their own film, ‘Top Tips for Heart Health’, which includes accessible heart information and advice from the peer educators. It will capture the voices of the people who are taking part in the workshops. Lindsay Henderson, Head of Communities at Your Voice Counts, said: ‘We exist because the people we work with often need support to be included, to have the same opportunities as the rest of society, and to improve their quality of life. ‘We’d like to thank Heart Research UK for this funding which helps us in our aim to provide accessible health information to the people we support so that they can make informed decisions about their own hearts.’ Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive at Heart Research UK, said: ‘We’re delighted to be able to fund this vital project, which aims to give people with learning disabilities a greater understanding of how their lifestyle impacts their heart. We’re hopeful this will empower and help them live happier, healthier and longer lives.’
Wales project supporting people with learning disabilities affected by isolation receives Healthy Heart Grant Posted on April 22, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Ebba Ritzen A Wales community project supporting people with learning disabilities to become more heart healthy has received a £9,000 grant from Heart Research UK. The last two years have been particularly hard on people with learning disabilities, with many having to shield due to their vulnerability to COVID-19. A lot of people have struggled with reduced daily activities and lack of routine, and this has resulted in many becoming increasingly unfit and struggling to resume their fitness routine. This inspired grantees Innovate Trust to develop an award-winning app that enabled people with learning disabilities to stay in touch with each other and participate in online activities. The organisation was also first in providing a supported living service in the UK when they opened their first home in 1974 in Ruthin Gardens, Cardiff. They’ve now received a Healthy Heart grant for their new programme ‘Move It’, starting in May. The aim will be to build the participants’ physical and mental wellbeing through both online and in-person activities. This will enable the programme to reach a wide range of people, including those who cannot attend in person due to medical reasons, lack of confidence or transport issues. Those at risk of loneliness or isolation will be particularly encouraged to join the programme. Apart from the physical activities, the programme will also provide lessons in cooking healthy meals and the importance of maintaining a healthy diet. Lisa French, Participation Manager at Innovate Trust, said: ‘Innovate Trust are working to enable people with learning disabilities to live an independent, active and valued life within their community. In this programme, we’re hoping the participants will discover a new physical activity that they enjoy and that they’ll expand their social networks by making new friends.’ Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive at Heart Research UK, said: ‘This project is a perfect example of what we want to achieve with our Healthy Heart Grants – supporting a community in making new connections and heart healthy choices. ‘We’re proud to be funding Innovate Trust in their aim of helping people with learning disabilities improve their mental and physical health.’
Official charity partners of the 2022 WSF Doubles Squash Championship Posted on April 21, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Ebba Ritzen The 2022 WSF Doubles Squash Championship in Glasgow is now over, and we are delighted to have been the official charity partner through our Heart of Scotland Appeal. Every day, 47 people in Scotland die from cardiovascular disease, and we’re working hard to raise awareness and help more hearts in Scotland. Our Heart of Scotland Appeal had a strong presence across the Glasgow venue, including a text to donate code on the screens for people who wanted to support the appeal. The week was very eventful and saw many exciting matches and brilliant winners, including England’s Declan James and James Willstrop who won the men’s draw gold medal 2-0 against Scotland’s Greg Lobban and Rory Stewart. England hadn’t won a championship gold since 1997 in Hong Kong so it was a long time coming. Scotland also did well, winning both silver and bronze medals in the men’s draw. James Willstrop was pleased with the win: ‘We’re chuffed to bits. It’s a huge event, it’s a world title. We’re so grateful to Scottish Squash, to the WSF and for everyone who’s joined together to put this together and make it a huge event.’ Greg Lobban was also positive about the week: ‘The tournament was fantastic. This is the first time Rory and I have played together in a major competition, so to come second in the men’s draw is a great achievement. We knew coming in we were one of the best teams and had a really good chance, so I’m pleased we came away with something.’
Birmingham’s biggest carnival scores local headline sponsor Posted on April 14, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Ebba Ritzén Leading engineering firm adi Group, with their head office in Birmingham, is the headline sponsor for Harborne Jubilee Carnival 2022 in support of Heart Research UK. The carnival is taking place along Harborne High Street on June 26th.Birmingham’s biggest carnival, second only to Notting Hill in the UK, is returning this summer, after being cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19. This year, as it’s celebrating its 25th anniversary the same year as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the carnival has dubbed itself Harborne Jubilee Carnival for one year only. Heart Research UK Midlands is the charity partner of the carnival and adi Group are well aware of the importance of their work into prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease. Having supported the charity since 2015 they have raised nearly £120,000 to date for lifesaving research. Employees of the multidisciplinary engineering firm will be volunteering at the carnival as well as fundraising in the run up to the event and on the day. Entertainment will include live music, arts and crafts, stalls and fairground rides, as well as a focus on health and wellbeing. The organisers of the carnival are welcoming any sponsors or volunteers to help during the community event. Alan Lusty, CEO at adi Group, said: ‘We have built a remarkable relationship with Heart Research UK Midlands over the last seven years and are proud and delighted to be headline sponsors of this year’s Harborne Jubilee Carnival in support of the charity. ‘Recent times have been difficult and challenging for everybody and we’re very much looking forward to being involved in an event that focuses on bringing the local community together. As all money raised from the Harborne Carnival will go towards projects funded by Heart Research UK, we’re also engineering a better future for all.’ John Lloyd, Regional Executive at Heart Research UK Midlands, said: ‘Working in partnership with adi Group for so long has helped facilitate the funding of many local research and community projects here in the Midlands. We have big ambitions to expand the work of our charity within the local community and having adi Group as headline sponsors of this year’s carnival, supporting Heart Research UK Midlands, can make this a reality.’
UK receives its first ever national guidance to improve diagnosis of aortic dissection Posted on March 17, 2022May 29, 2025 by Sarah Gill Aortic dissection is a rare but life-threatening condition where there is a tear in the inner wall of the aorta, the main artery in the body that carries blood from the heart to all organs. Although considered a rare condition, aortic dissection kills more people in the UK each year than road traffic accidents. Half of patients arriving at A&E with the condition are initially misdiagnosed, and a third are actively treated for a different, incorrect diagnosis, often with fatal results. Patients with an aortic dissection need an urgent CT scan to confirm the diagnosis. The new guidance on how to better diagnose the condition is welcomed by Aortic Dissection Awareness UK, who have been working to improve diagnosis of the condition through their ‘THINK AORTA’ campaign since 2017.The patient-led campaign quickly attracted the support of the leading professional medical societies. In 2018, through funding from Heart Research UK, tubes of ‘THINK AORTA’ posters were delivered to every A&E department in the UK and Ireland. During Patient Safety Awareness Week from 13-19th March, we want to join the national patient association in raising public awareness of aortic dissection and highlight the new national guidance on diagnosing the condition for the benefit of the medical profession, especially A&E staff and Radiologists. Gareth Owens, Chair of Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland, says: “To save lives in aortic dissection, doctors, nurses and paramedics simply need to learn to ‘THINK AORTA’, then do the CT scan and transfer the patient quickly to a specialist aortic centre for treatment.”
What’s the difference between cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease? Posted on February 17, 2022May 29, 2025 by Sarah Gill Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an umbrella term referring to all diseases of the heart and blood vessels. These diseases can be thought of as a ‘family’, sharing many of the same risk factors. CVD can then be divided into two categories: heart disease (involving the heart) and vascular disease (involving the blood vessels). Both of these categories are also groups of diseases. The total healthcare costs relating to CVD are estimated at £9 billion each year (£138 per person). Coronary heart disease (CHD) is when the coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle with blood become narrowed or blocked due to a gradual build-up of fatty material. This is the most common type of cardiovascular disease and the most common cause of heart attack. CHD generally affects more men than women, but from the age of 50 the chances of developing this disease are similar for both sexes. Click on the buttons to find out more about the specific conditions. If you have any concerns regarding your health, please speak to your doctor. You can call NHS 111 for non-urgent medical enquiries or call 999 for urgent, emergency medical attention. The content of this website is for education and information only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.
£10,000 grant available for Healthy Heart community projects across the UK Posted on January 31, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Ebba Ritzén Community groups that are helping local people look after their hearts can now apply for a £10,000 grant from Heart Research UK. One grant will be awarded to each of the 12 regions in the UK, with the first five grants of the year being funded by instore donations from Subway® restaurants across the country.The grants are available for new and innovative projects that promote healthy hearts and are aiming to reduce the risk of heart disease in their community. Since 2001, Heart Research UK has awarded over 300 community grants, directly benefiting the hearts of over 70,000 individuals and countless wider community and family members across all regions of the UK. Cardiovascular disease is one of the world’s biggest killers, and the aim of the Healthy Heart grants is to work preventatively within communities that may be marginalised or not have much access to health resources. Projects should deliver health initiatives such as cooking skills, healthy eating and accessible exercise and should promote mental wellbeing and encourage people to be active. The grants are only available to not-for-profit organisations, including charities, community groups, voluntary organisations and sports groups. The opening and closing dates for applications will be staggered across the regions, with Wales being the first to open on the 31st of January. Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive of Heart Research UK, said: “Through the Healthy Heart grants we hope to encourage people across the whole country to make healthier choices and give them practical help to do so. These grants are available to ensure everyone has the chance to benefit from a healthier, happier and longer life. “We’re looking for new and innovative projects that really have an impact, especially if they aim to improve the health of at risk or hard to reach communities.”
Nutrition Scotland Posted on December 17, 2021May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Project title: Corkerhill Healthy Hearts Programme Region: Glasgow, Scotland Award amount: £9,642.60 Date: January 2022 – November 2022Nutrition Scotland were awarded a Healthy Heart Grant for their heart-healthy cooking programme which targeted residents in some of the most deprived parts of Corkerhill, who are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD).The Problem Heart disease is a major cause of death in Scotland, with people living in the most deprived areas at much greater risk. Glasgow is the most deprived city and local authority within Scotland. Additionally, Corkerhill is in the 2nd decile in the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) with 1st being the most deprived and 10th being the least deprived. The Project This project was a six-week cooking programme developed by Nutrition Scotland and supported by Pollock United. A total of 25 participants took part and learned about different nutritional topics each week. The sessions were two hours long and topics were linked to a heart-healthy recipe which participants would cook at Corkerhill Community Hub. Nutrition Scotland created a series of short animations to support participants’ learning, the videos were designed to convey heart-healthy food messages in an engaging and simple way. Participants were given factsheets and recipe cards to further support learning. The Results The programme was successful in increasing the skills and confidence of participants. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive and suggests the course was enjoyable for those in attendance. Most participants across all five courses reported increased knowledge and confidence around making heart healthy choices and cooking from scratch. 83% of participants said that the programme helped them to make more heart-healthy choices 100% of participants said the programme helped to reduce barriers to cooking from scratch 86% of participants said that they felt more confident about cooking from scratch 83% of participants said that the programme improved their knowledge of nutrition 100% of participants said that the programme helped them to meet new people Andy, 42, from Corkerhill is a dad of two young children who joined the Healthy Hearts programme to learn a bit more about cooking and nutrition so he could help to make more nutritious meals for his family at home.Andy’s wife usually does most of the cooking, with Andy admitting “it’s only ever once in a blue moon I’d cook at home – and it’s always a curry!” Andy said he hoped Healthy Hearts would help him to learn new recipes to impress his wife and kids. Andy was introduced to new ingredients on the course – “I had never tried a sweet potato before, so it’s been great learning how to cook new vegetables and cook a bit healthier too”- and learned new kitchen skills like how to chop an onion and how to peel carrots and ginger. The recipes, and some of the ingredients, were all new to Andy, and he had no problem getting stuck in and trying a bit of everything. He was also able to take the meals back to his family and get their feedback – every week he’d come in and say it was a success! He liked that his wife and kids were enjoying what he had cooked for them. When asked about how he found the course Andy said: “The course has been great from start to finish.” He is now cooking more dishes at home for his family, and when asked for any other feedback he finished, “I’d say to anyone, especially other men who don’t know how to cook, just come and give it a go, the recipes are great!”Watch the project in action
Using artificial intelligence for safer CT imaging of blood vessels Posted on December 17, 2021May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Professor Regent Lee and his team at the University of Oxford received one of our Novel and Emerging Technologies grants for their development of a method which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to generate ‘contrast enhanced’ CT scans without using contrast dye. The new technology would have a reduced risk of complications and may also have a positive impact on the sustainability of healthcare. Computerised Tomography (CT or CAT) scans are widely used in all fields of medicine and surgery. When doctors are considering treatment of a blood vessel, they need to get a detailed view of the inside of the vessel, so special dyes, called contrast agents, are injected to visualise the blood flow and find any abnormalities. However, contrast dyes can cause complications, including allergy and kidney damage. Contrast dye injection also requires the insertion of a needle, longer scan time and additional radiation exposure. The injection into the patient’s arm can be both uncomfortable and can result in the dye leaking out from the injection site to the tissues under the skin causing skin problems. Reducing the use of contrast dye could have a positive impact on the environment and sustainability of healthcare. Radioactive contrast agents are a major component of pharmaceutical waste in hospital water systems. Although the long-term impact on health is yet to be defined, several European countries are actively seeking solutions to minimise wastewater contamination by radioactive contrast agents. Professor Lee’s team has developed a method which uses AI to generate ‘contrast enhanced’ CT scans without using contrast dye. Although human eyes cannot tell the difference between blood flow and abnormalities such as blood clots, there are minute details in the scan that can be used to differentiate them. Professor Lee said: “The use of artificial intelligence in generating CT scans without the need for contrast dyes would allow diagnosis and treatment of blood vessel conditions with a reduced risk of complications. Also, the reduced scanning time, radiation dose and lower cost would bring important benefits, not limited to the scanning of blood vessels. This method may be used for diagnosis and treatment planning for other medical conditions where contrast enhanced CT scans are required.”
Black History Month: Notable black figures who pioneered cardiology Posted on December 10, 2021May 26, 2025 by Sarah Gill October marks the start of Black History Month and at Heart Research UK we wanted to honour notable black cardiologists throughout history and the extraordinary work they have contributed to their field, paving the way for the modern treatments and surgeries we have today. Early heart surgery and the venture into the unknown – Daniel Hale Williams Today, heart surgery is commonplace however, this was not always the case. Cardiologist Daniel Hale Williams was one of the first doctors to perform open-heart surgery in the United States. In the late 19th century, many surgeons believed that surgery was impractical and unethical. However, the former shoemaker’s apprentice would not take no for an answer. Instead, he performed the first surgery in 1893 on 24-year-old James Cornish who had stuffed a stab wound, damaging the protective sac surrounding his heart, called pericardium. Dr Williams’ operation was successful and William’s contributions in medicine went beyond the operating room. The physician helped found the Provident Hospital and Training School for Nurses, reportedly the first U.S. hospital with both Black and White staff members. He also established the National Medical Association, a professional organisation for African Americans in medicine. Bravely venturing into the unknown, Dr Williams’ incredible contributions helped pave the way to future successes in heart surgery. Treating critically ill babies and combating racism – Vivien Theodore Thomas After losing most of his savings and dropping out of college during the Great Depression, former carpenter Vivien Theodore Thomas helped to pioneer surgery to cure the congenital heart condition called tetralogy of Fallot. The condition involves four abnormalities in the heart’s structure including a narrowed pulmonary valve, thickened muscle of the right ventricle, one of the lower heart chambers and an overriding aorta (the largest artery in the body). The cardiologist trained as a surgical assistant in the 1930’s and in 1944 he helped to develop the initiative “blue baby surgery”, to correct the congenital heart condition, along with surgeon Dr. Alfred Blalock and paediatric cardiologist Dr. Helen Taussig at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. After realising that the key was increasing blood flow to the lungs and around the body, and by repairing some of the abnormalities, Blalock and Thomas performed their first surgery on a child called Eileen Saxon, who was an 18-month-old baby born with tetralogy of Fallout. Thomas was unable to perform the surgery because he did not have a university degree instead, he had to coach Blalock through the painstaking surgery. Unfortunately, Eileen’s surgery only prolonged her life for a few months; however, the pair repeated the surgical procedure on two more children, which were both successful. Thomas’ work marked the start of essential cutting-edge surgery to save the lives of children born with heart conditions. However, due to racism and prejudice towards his lack of university education Viven Thomas’ crucial role was not recognised as the procedure was initially called the Blalock-Taussig shunt with no mention of Thomas in the papers. Leading female cardiologists – Myra Adele Logan, Elizabeth Odilile Ofili and Dr. Jennifer Mieres. During the early 1940’s Dr. Myra Adele Logan became the first woman to perform open-heart surgery which was reportedly the ninth time the procedure had been performed worldwide. Logan’s research extended beyond heart surgery as she also studied antibiotics and breast cancer. Notably, her contributions included the development of more accurate tests to detect the density differences in breast tissue. Her work extended beyond the medical field as a surgeon, and at the Harlem Hospital in New York, she was also a founding partner of the first physicians group practices in the United States. Elizabeth Odilile Ofili, also made a vital impact in the field of cardiology with her leadership of the “Landmark African American Heart Trial” (AHEFT). This trial changed the guideline on how heart failure is treated among African Americans today. Ofili is recognised globally for her dedication to cardiovascular disparities in women’s health. Finally, another leading female figure who paved the way, Dr. Jennifer Mieres, is one of the leading cardiovascular disease experts, and her dedication to patient advocacy and mentorship was recognised by the “ACC’s 2014 Women in Cardiology mentoring award.” A pioneer and advocate – Charles R. Drew Bright student Charles R. Drew did not know what to do for his career until two experiences got him interested in medicine. An injury on the football field and his sister’s tuberculosis helped him to discover a passion for medicine and an interest in how the body works. Whilst studying at McGill University Faculty of Medicine, Drew became interested in transfusion medicine during his surgical residency where he worked with bacteriologist John Beattie. This led Drew to conduct research into transfusion medicine where he found if you separate blood from plasma, it lasted longer making it possible for blood to be stored. This meant that blood could be preserved and shipped overseas where it could even be taken to a battlefield. In 1940, Drew became a lead on the special medical effort called Blood for Britain during the Second World War. Drew also became assistant director of a new national blood bank system for the American Red Cross collecting 10,000 pints of blood for the war effort. However, the military stated that blood taken from African American donors should not be given to white people. Drew knew this was scientifically and morally wrong and he spoke out against the racism, subsequently resigning from his job. He then went on to become Chief of Surgery at Freedmen’s Hospital where he spent the next nine years mentoring students and advocating education and inclusion for African Americans in medicine.
Music and Art Posted on October 22, 2021May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Olivia Schofield With the anonymous heART project just around the corner, we have an amazing collection of artists and musicians who have turned their hand to creating artwork. However, the relationship between music and art dates back centuries.The relationship between music and art today Art like music is deeply rooted in our culture and both have become a part of our everyday lives. Whether it is Lady Gaga’s striking Applause music video, which nods to artists from Botticelli to John Galliano or Andy Warhol’s iconic artwork on the Rolling Stones Sticky Fingers Album cover- both artists and musicians have been collaborating for a long time. However, music videos and album covers are just one layer of the relationship between art and music. The influence of music and art in history Artists, psychologists, and musicologists agree that there is a relationship between music and art. This relationship between music and art has been around for decades, examples include artists such as Jackson Pollack who blared out jazz music while creating his famous art pieces and Kandinsky who was heavily influenced by sound especially the symphony between the visual arts and sound. He was often known for naming his paintings after various musical terminology such as Compositions, Impressions, and Improvisations. The line between music and the arts also becomes more blurred with the introduction of sound art used particularly in movements like Dadaism and Surrealism, which refers to art both in “its medium (what it is made out of) and as its subject (what it is about)”. Did you know your music taste influences your artistic preferences? Not only does music influence the artist but also affects our preferences towards art. Studies even suggest that music and our artistic preferences are influenced by our own personality traits, explaining that those who enjoy classical music prefer all visual art motives while jazz and world music related to all art preferences expect religious. Often the relationship between music and art can become blurred with both complementing each other and in-turn creating a masterpiece. Why not check out the anonymous heART project page heartresearch.org.uk/anonymous-heart/ where you can bid for your favourite pieces by world-renowned artists and musicians. All the money raised will go toward Heart Research UK’s pioneering medical research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart diseases.
Art in small spaces Posted on October 22, 2021May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Olivia Schofield The future of urban living has meant that apartments and houses have become smaller and smaller making it harder to find artwork that fits into those awkward spaces of our homes. But this shouldn’t stop you from buying artwork that you love and with the right plan you can have both a stylish and functional interior design that meets your needs. Don’t be afraid of being big and bold When looking at small interior design people often think it’s better to stay clear of anything that is loud and proud. However, a piece of artwork that is a large statement piece is a great way of creating a focal point in a small room. So, don’t be afraid of handing a big, bold piece of artwork in a prominent place, including above the sofa or a dining room. It also might be worth investing in smaller furniture as this can often make a place feel more cluttered. Opting for a larger piece can add character to a small apartment or house. Smaller could be the way to go If you class yourself as a minimalist, then a larger print might not be for you. Instead, small scale artwork can still have a huge impact on a room. You could also opt for smaller pieces to hang next to each other to fill a space on a wall. However, make sure the artwork isn’t going to get lost in the space, think of something bold which will add life and colour. Always consider colour scheme This might sound obvious but the colour scheme of a room can make or break a piece of artwork. So, if you have a plain white wall fill it with something which is colourful and makes the room brighter. If you have some colour in any furniture, find a piece of artwork with the colour in it, this will help pick out the colour and create a seamless interior design within a room. However, if you have a dark wall opt for a simple black and white piece of art or if you have a colourful wall, then consider artwork which is a complementary colour. This will really help the room pop and take any guests’ attention away from how small the space is. Remember your forgotten spaces Have you got a bookshelf that needs a bit of life? Or do you have an empty floor space that needs filling? Filling those forgotten areas can save on wall space and make a room feel less cluttered. It’s about filling every free space whilst staying practical. Why not put a piece of artwork in your bathroom or even in your kid’s bedroom? Also, don’t forget the leaning method this can be a great tool for leaning artwork against walls on bedside tables, desks or dressers with no pins needed. Pairing pieces together to make your own mini gallery Don’t feel as though you can’t hang artwork together, if you have a particular artist, you are fond of or a collection of artworks that has a similar style then, you will definitely want to hang them up together. You could hang up your pieces in rows of three or place them in a line to form a column. Also, pairing larger pieces with smaller pieces can create an amazing gallery view creating space for your own personal art collection. Always go with your gut Artwork is subjective and down to your individual choice, it shouldn’t be dictated by how small your space is. Often your own eye for interior design will help you find the perfect piece of artwork that not only shows off your personality but adds another layer to your living space. You might just find yourself following your gut in the anonymous heART project online auction, where you can bid on your favourite artist and own an amazing piece of artwork for a bargain. Be sure to head over to heartresearch.org.uk/anonymous-heart/. All money raised will help fund our pioneering research, which is vital for finding a cure for heart diseases whilst helping to save lives.
Buying art for loved ones at Christmas Posted on October 22, 2021May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Olivia Schofield Christmas is the time to buy gifts that keep on giving and buying a piece of art for someone close to your heart is a lovely gesture that will be remembered for years to come. It’s hard to know where to start looking and finding the perfect piece of art to give as a gift can be daunting. This means we’ve put together some top tips to make the hunt for the perfect present this year that bit easier.What is their home decor like? First things first, art is often a key feature of many homes; however, it’s important to remember when buying a piece of wall art, it should be an effortless part of any interior design. Unless they are a serious fine art enthusiast, your family or friend might appreciate something which complements their own interior style so it can be a seamless feature of their home. Next time you’re over at their house pay attention to the number of artworks they already own. If they have a lot of artworks, it might be worth buying something a little bolder, so it stands out from the other artwork they already own. However, if their walls are fairly bare then opt for a piece of artwork with a neutral colour palette or a simple design. Another design feature to pay attention to is their choice of colour palette. Whether their home is all monochrome, then a simple black-and-white piece would look amazing; however, if they live in a period home such as a cottage, they may appreciate a smaller watercolour landscape or still life to fit into their home. The choices are endless but do keep in mind what interior style they choose and if you’re not sure about their particular style, Pinterest is a great tool for finding similar interior designs so you know exactly which room the artwork would fit in. Remember be unique not cliché You want your art to stand out. It’s all about balancing a unique piece with their wall space. This means avoiding those generic prints you’ve seen in ten different websites or coffee shops. You know the ones which say ‘Home is where the heart is’ or the now popular botanical prints. You want something that screams their personality and is individual to them. Remember who you’re buying for when you’re looking for a piece of artwork. It’s often difficult to buy something similar to our own tastes and not the receiver’s tastes. It would be worth considering what’s personal to them. If they have a particular interest or hobby, then it’s worth looking at artwork that reflects that area. However, don’t limit yourself, think about the sentimental value of the piece too and what memories the artwork could stir. The more thoughtful the piece, the better. Artwork that compliments their own collection Is your friend or family member an avid art collector? Then it may be worth knowing what that special person already has in their collection before even starting to look at artwork. If they’re a collector of a particular artist or own a few original paintings which bring joy, you want to add that special addition to their home. It would also be worth finding out what type of art genre they prefer. Are they interested in landscapes, classical styles or contemporary? It may be that the artists they’re after are releasing new art that would be ideal or their favourite artist could be in this year’s anonymous heART project. Head over to bid on the online auction by visiting heartresearch.org.uk/anonymous-heart/. Not only will you buy an amazing gift, but you will also help fund Heart Research UK’s pioneering research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart diseases. This Christmas be sure to buy a piece of artwork that is the gift that keeps on giving.
Your basic guide to art genres and where they work best in your home Posted on October 22, 2021May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Olivia Schofield Today, there are so many art genres it’s hard to know where to start. Especially, when you want to buy a new art piece for your home. It can also be difficult making this both a functional and aesthetically pleasing choice. The key thing to remember when shopping around for artwork is what is the room like? Your living room is often a cosy and comfortable place, whilst your bedroom is a personal place, reflecting individual taste and the kitchen/dining-room reflects the more formal living areas. Modern Art Dating back to the mid-18th century, Modern Art reflects the rapid change in technology, manufacturing and transport – revolutionising art. This genre is hard to define, due to it being a period of time from the 1860’s to 1970’s rather than an exact art style. This type of art focuses on a wide range of strong colours, forms and lines using bold designs. So, if you have a room that needs a pop of colour, modern art is the way to go drawing attention to the room. Abstract Art Abstract Art is a popular form of art in many homes, dating back more than 100 years. This type of art creates various moods, either by matching the surroundings or becoming a focal point of a room with bold bright colours. Abstract art is definitely a good choice when you’re in between interior styles, whether your home is modern with a rustic spin, it’s a great way of adding colour to a room. Contemporary Art Meet the art of today. Contemporary Art is the art that is created during our lifetimes. It shows the forever changing art styles, by using cutting-edge media and new technology. The variety of different forms that this art comes in has made it popular in homes today. Hanging a piece of contemporary art in your living room for example, will provide a great focal point. Especially if you have simple decor in your living space, a piece of contemporary art will give your plain walls that bit of love they need. Surrealism Surrealism is where the imagination has gone wild. This artwork relies on distant reality and the unconscious mind creating a dream-like world. This means this piece of artwork can be used to inspire creativity, being perfect for an office space or even a living room, where the bold colours and unrealistic images can create a fun atmosphere. Impressionism Developed in Paris in the 1860’s, Impressionism focuses on capturing the impression of a particular moment or instant. This artwork was not produced in a studio but on the streets capturing a realistic depiction of the moment. This particular piece of artwork would look great hanging on the walls of a living room or a more formal sitting area, due to its realistic nature. It’s a piece of artwork that’ll capture the eye of any guest in your home. Graffiti Art Better known as Street Art, Graffiti is a form of free art that is found in public places and buildings. Known for its bright colours, this art appeared from places including Philadelphia and New York, and is often linked to hip hop culture. Despite graffiti art being considered as an act of vandalism in most countries, it doesn’t mean it can’t add a burst of colour to your home. Street art is attractive to anyone viewing it and is a fantastic way of brightening up the interiors of your living space. It can also make the room look cheerful and welcoming, perfect for a child’s bedroom or a great feature within a hallway. Cubism Finally, Cubism is an artwork that appeared during the 20th century. This type of artwork does not make use of traditional techniques, instead it emphasises two-dimensional designs. The objects painted usually reduce the subject to geometric forms showing various angles. This piece of artwork would look great in formal spaces, including your dining rooms or study areas adding a simplistic, minimalist touch to any living area. So, there you have it – your guide to different art genres and how they can fit into different living spaces.
Healthy tips for staycationers from Caravan Guard Posted on September 13, 2021May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Kids are back at school but holiday season and weekends away are still going strong. Some of us have sneaked abroad but many are choosing to stay in the UK. Caravans, motorhomes and holiday parks are more popular than ever. What’s more fun than setting off on a road trip and discovering beautiful parts of the UK, places that many of us had never thought to visit before the last few years. Going on holiday definitely means relaxing, but it doesn’t have to mean you stop focusing on keeping healthy and active. We worked with our fabulous partners Caravan Guard to create two Healthy Holiday Tips. Caravan Guard provide insurance cover for touring caravan, campervan, static caravan and motorhome owners. They donate £1 to Heart Research UK every time a customer takes out a paperless policy, and, since our partnership began, they have raised an incredible £130,000 for our life-saving research. Liz Harrison, PR & Communications Manager at Caravan Guard, said: “We were delighted to be able to offer our customers some simple tips for staying heart healthy when on their caravan and motorhome holidays. Owning a leisure vehicle or holiday caravan is the perfect way to keep active in the great outdoors and with on-board cooking facilities it’s really easy to prepare lots of healthy snacks and meals. We loved the hacks from the experts at Heart Research UK.” You can check out the tips here Healthy heart tips when on your caravan or motorhome holidays Tips for being heart healthy on your caravan holidays “It’s a pleasure to work with Caravan Guard and we are so grateful for their ongoing support. In return for the consistent funds they raise for us, we are always there to support their employee’s health and wellbeing and we were excited to share our healthy holiday suggestions with their customers.” Isabel McKenzie, Corporate Development Officer, Heart Research UK To discuss a purpose-led partnership with Heart Research UK, please contact Isabel, Corporate Development Officer by emailing isabel@heartresearch.org.uk
Pulse 2021 – Special Research edition Posted on July 9, 2021May 26, 2025 by Sarah Gill The latest edition of our Pulse magazine is here! As always, it’s packed full of inspiring and exciting articles that we’re proud to share with you. Despite the last few years being incredibly challenging, we have also had many reasons to celebrate. This edition of Pulse is a research special, featuring all the news on our latest research grants, as well as highlighting the three grants that we awarded to investigate links between COVID-19 and the heart. Heart Research UK has worked tirelessly to adapt to the COVID-19 restrictions in place to keep our research into the treatment, prevention and cure of heart disease on course. We have also had to adapt our fundraising – read all about #teamhruk in the virtual London marathon and our other fantastic fundraisers. Feeling hungry? Check out a few exclusive recipes from the Heart Research UK cookbook, featuring recipes form Joe Wicks, the Hairy Bikers and Gennaro Contaldo. We would like to thank everyone who supported Heart Research UK this year. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Masterclass May 2023 Keele Posted on June 20, 2021May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Surgery for Acute Aortic Dissection Aortic surgery is a highly-specialised area and is difficult to train for because the operations are complex and the numbers of patients are small. We were delighted to hold the ninth aortic surgery masterclass in May 2023 which was hosted by the Keele Anatomy and Surgical Training Centre (KASTC) at Keele University. The masterclass gave 15 cardiac surgeons from across the UK the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience of aortic surgery, with one-to-one supervision by the expert faculty. The course director, Miss Deborah Harrington, is part of a team of cardiac surgeons at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital which is recognised as one of the leading centres in aortic surgery in the UK. The faculty included talented and experienced consultant cardiac surgeons from Northern General Hospital in Sheffield, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital and Barts Heart Centre. We are indebted to the faculty for giving up their time to share their invaluable skills and expertise. We would like to thank the Pearlman family who generously helped to fund this masterclass in memory of their parents Norma and Gerald. This course was accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of England. So far, 127 surgeons from hospitals across the UK have received training at our aortic surgery masterclasses. We introduced aortic surgery masterclasses with the aim of improving the care of aortic patients and we hope that the new surgical skills learned will benefit patients across the country as more surgeons have the expertise to carry out these life-saving operations.
The role of inflammation in blood vessel damage in COVID-19 patients Posted on April 30, 2021May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill COVID-19 Research Grant Prof Faisel Khan, University of Dundee Amount: £133,693 Summary: Inflammation in the body caused by COVID-19 might be responsible for harmful effects on the blood vessels, and blood cells, called neutrophils, might be the link. This project will study whether increased activation of neutrophils contributes to development of long-term disease of the blood vessels in COVID-19 patients and whether reducing their activation with drug treatment has beneficial effects. Targeting neutrophils in this way could be a treatment option for reducing blood vessel and heart complications in patients with COVID-19.COVID-19, which is caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, is having a devastating impact on health worldwide. The major cause of death in patients who have COVID-19 results from development of complications in the lungs. However, the harmful effect of COVID-19 is excessively high in people who have pre-existing diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Also, COVID-19 can cause ‘new’ damage to the heart and blood vessels in people who have no pre-existing disease. The lining of blood vessels, called endothelium, acts as a barrier and first point of contact for the virus that causes COVID-19. From recent research studies, there is evidence that the virus causes damage to the endothelium which in turn leads to disease of the heart and blood vessels, particularly the very small blood vessels, called microvessels. It is thought that inflammation in the body caused by COVID-19 might be responsible for some of the harmful effects on the blood vessels. Inflammation is a protective mechanism activated by the body’s immune system to fight infection, remove harmful toxins and help in the healing process. However, inflammation can also have detrimental effects on the human body, especially when it does not resolve and becomes persistent, as in COVID-19. Professor Khan and his team believe that abnormal activation of a type of white blood cell, called the neutrophil, that is important in the body’s immune response, might be the link between COVID-19 and damage to the blood vessels. Importantly, Professor James Chalmers and colleagues have recently shown that a new drug, called brensocatib, reduces the abnormal activation of neutrophils and improve the symptoms of patients who have bronchiectasis, a lung disease that is caused by inflammation. The aims of the project are to explore whether: – abnormally high activation of neutrophils, caused by inflammation, is responsible for long term damage to the endothelium and small blood vessels in COVID-19 patients. reducing activation of neutrophils with the drug brensocatib reduces damage to the endothelium and improves the function of the blood vessels. The team will assess the function of the small blood vessels over 12 months in 120 patients who have had COVID-19 to see if this is abnormal compared with healthy people who have not had COVID-19. They will apply small amounts of chemicals to the skin and use a laser machine, which measures blood flow in the microvessels, to assess how well the blood vessels are working. They will also take blood samples to measure the activation of neutrophils and see if high levels of activation are linked to blood vessel damage. Also, they will use these methods in 100 patients who have been hospitalised with COVID-19, to compare the effects of the drug brensocatib against a dummy drug (placebo) on the activation of neutrophils and function of the blood vessels. These measurements will be carried out before and after 28 days of treatment. The study will show whether increased activation of neutrophils contributes to development of long-term disease of the blood vessels in COVID-19 patients and whether reducing their activation with drug treatment has beneficial effects. Targeting neutrophils in this way could be an important treatment option for reducing blood vessel and heart complications in people who have COVID-19.
Longer-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on blood vessels and blood pressure (LOCHINVAR) Posted on April 30, 2021May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill COVID-19 Research Grant Prof Sandosh Padmanabhan, University of Glasgow Amount: £250,000 Summary: Research has shown that people who have certain other medical problems, including high blood pressure, have a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19. This project will investigate the links between COVID-19 infection and high blood pressure which may help to improve the long-term outcomes for survivors of COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic is the biggest medical challenge of recent years. COVID-19 is caused by a virus which mainly affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body including the heart and blood vessels. Research has shown that people who are older, obese, male or those who have other medical problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or chronic lung conditions, have a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is very common with more than one quarter of adults in the UK affected. The virus causing COVID-19 enters the body’s cells through a receptor called ACE2 which is found in the lungs, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, liver, and bowel. ACE2 is very important for maintaining many of the body’s important processes including blood pressure, inflammation, and wound healing. Some of the medicines used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease may change the level or function of ACE2 which could have good or bad effects during COVID-19 infection. Also, COVID-19 can cause damage to the walls of the blood vessels which makes the risk of blood clots higher and this has been seen more often in people with high blood pressure. The reasons for this are not yet known which is why we need to understand more about the links between COVID-19 and high blood pressure. This study aims to answer whether: – High blood pressure makes COVID-19 infection worse and if so, why. COVID-19 infection makes high blood pressure worse and if so, why. Monitoring and management of high blood pressure needs to be a greater priority during the pandemic. The project will be divided into the following three parts: – Part 1 will look at routinely collected health records for people in the West of Scotland who attended hospital or had a positive test for COVID-19 between April 2020 and April 2021. This will be compared to the records of patients who attended hospital during 2019, for another reason. The team will also extend this to look in detail at a group of people with high blood pressure who attend the Glasgow Blood Pressure Clinic. Part 2 will study a group of people that have recovered from COVID-19 infection who will undergo blood pressure monitoring, and tests of heart and blood vessel health. These tests will be repeated after 12 and 18 months to see if there have been any changes. They will be compared to a group of people who have not had COVID-19. Part 3 will look at markers in the blood (biomarkers) with the aim of identifying any which are linked with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or death in COVID-19. This study will give us a better understanding of the links between COVID-19 infection and high blood pressure, and help to improve the long-term outcomes for survivors of COVID-19. Also, the findings may lead to recommendations on the monitoring and management of blood pressure during the pandemic.
Using biological gases to control abnormal heart rhythms Posted on April 30, 2021May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Professor Derek Steele University of Leeds £132,190 The rhythmic beating of the heart is controlled by the co-ordinated opening and closing of ‘ion channels’ in the heart cells which allow electrically charged particles – ions – to move in and out of the cells. If this electrical activity is disrupted it can lead to abnormal rhythms, called arrhythmias, which may prevent the heart from pumping effectively and be life-threatening. The most common form of arrhythmia is ‘atrial fibrillation’ which is thought to affect more than 1.4 million people in the UK. Cells of the body naturally produce gases including, surprisingly, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide. These gases are very poisonous at high levels, but in fact have important roles in controlling normal functions of cells and organs, including the heart. This research showed that when atrial fibrillation was induced in heart muscle cells in the lab, the amount of a particular key ion channel that controls the electrical activity of the heart was increased. Importantly, application of carbon monoxide or hydrogen sulphide was found to supress the activity of this ion channel and protect against changes in electrical activity that are linked with atrial fibrillation. This raises the exciting possibility that atrial fibrillation could be treated by altering the levels of carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide within cells or using drugs which release these gases. These results are promising and further research is now needed to look at the most effective ways to control the release of the naturally produced biological gases within the body, to see whether this is an effective way to treat atrial fibrillation.
Building new blood vessels to treat babies with structural defects of the heart Posted on April 30, 2021May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Professor Paolo Madeddu Bristol Heart Institute £76,054 In the UK, at least 1 in 150 babies is born with congenital heart disease which means a heart defect that develops in the womb, before a baby is born. So that these babies can survive, cardiac surgeons often have to perform complex surgery to replace and correctly position defective arteries and valves. The grafts currently used to repair hearts are made of non-living materials. This means that as the baby’s heart grows rapidly during the first years of life, the grafts do not grow and the child will need further surgery to replace the grafts. This project developed techniques for isolating special cells from the baby’s umbilical cord, called pericytes, and growing them in the lab. Importantly, when the cells were tested, they had the properties needed to form functioning blood vessels. Also, they found that these properties were better than for other types of stem cells more often used in regenerative medicine. After isolation from the umbilical cord, the researchers were able to seed the pericytes onto grafts and found that the cells not only grew and integrated well but also produced important proteins that support the formation of small blood vessels. This is a very important result because the success of graft integration into the baby’s heart depends on a good supply of oxygen and nutrients. These promising findings show that pericytes have the potential to be used to grow bioengineered grafts that behave like an artery and will grow with the child’s heart. The ultimate aim is for these grafts to be used by cardiac surgeons to correct heart defects in babies and reduce the need for multiple traumatic operations. The research is ongoing and the team is working on a more ambitious plan to create a synthetic blood vessel where layers of gels are seeded with pericytes and other cells from the umbilical cord. This would be a definitive solution for the correction of blood vessel defects in babies and adults.
Exercise to reduce heart disease risk: which type of exercise programme is most suitable for people with a kidney transplant? Posted on April 30, 2021May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Professor Nicolette Bishop Loughborough University and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust £147,805 A kidney transplant can transform the life of someone with kidney failure, but these patients have a high risk of heart disease. Regular exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle for everyone and can lower the risk of heart disease, however, there are no exercise guidelines designed specifically for kidney transplant patients. This is because there is no research evidence about what is safe and effective, and exercise guidelines for the general population may not be appropriate. Before the effects of exercise on heart disease risk in kidney transplant patients can be assessed, the suitability of different exercise programmes needed to be determined. This was a feasibility study that looked at the willingness of patients to take part in three different exercise programmes, and whether they successfully followed and completed the programmes. All three exercise programmes were performed three times each week for eight weeks. Two involved different durations of alternating short bursts of high and low intensity exercise (known as High Intensity Intermittent Training, or HIIT) and the third consisted of continuous moderate intensity exercise. This is the first study to report the feasibility of HIIT in kidney transplant patients and all 20 participants who completed the exercise programmes increased their aerobic fitness. Also, there were promising reductions in blood pressure, a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Specific criteria considered key for progressing to a larger trial were co-produced by researchers, clinicians and patients. This is very important as it provides vital information about how to maximise participation in future, larger exercise studies, thereby increasing their success so that they can provide robust, impactful data. This takes us a step closer to having the evidence-based exercise guidance that patients and healthcare teams want and need. Also, importantly, there were no adverse events or safety issues which should reassure patients and their healthcare teams.
Heart Research UK awards £250k COVID-19 Research grant to University of Glasgow Posted on April 14, 2021May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill A project at the University of Glasgow that is aiming to better understand the effects that COVID-19 infection has on blood vessels and blood pressure has received a grant of £250,000 from national charity Heart Research UK. Research has shown that people who are older, obese, male or those who have other medical problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or chronic lung conditions, have a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is very common with more than one quarter of adults in the UK affected. The virus causing COVID-19 enters the body’s cells through a receptor called ACE2 which is found in the lungs, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, liver, and bowel. ACE2 is very important for maintaining many of the body’s important processes including blood pressure, inflammation, and wound healing.COVID-19 can also cause damage to the walls of the blood vessels which makes the risk of blood clots higher and this has been seen more often in people with high blood pressure. The reasons for this are not yet known which is why we need to understand more about the links between COVID-19 and high blood pressure. This study, which will be led by Professor Sandosh Padmanabhan, Professor of Cardiovascular Genomics and Therapeutics, aims to answer whether: High blood pressure makes COVID-19 infection worse and if so, why. COVID-19 infection makes high blood pressure worse and if so, why. Monitoring and management of high blood pressure needs to be a greater priority during the pandemic. Prof Padmanabhan (L) and team The study will look at routinely collected health records for people in the West of Scotland who attended hospital or had a positive test for COVID-19 between April 2020 and April 2021. This will be compared to the records of patients who attended hospital during 2019, for another reason. They will also look in detail at a group of people with high blood pressure. Prof Padmanabhan’s team will also study a group of people that have recovered from COVID-19 infection. They will undergo blood pressure monitoring, and tests of heart and blood vessel health. These tests will be repeated after 12 and 18 months to see if there have been any changes. They will be compared to a group of people who have not had COVID-19.Finally, the study will look at markers in the blood (biomarkers) with the aim of identifying any which are linked with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or death in COVID-19.This study will give us a better understanding of the links between COVID-19 infection and high blood pressure, and help to improve the long-term outcomes for survivors of COVID-19. Also, the findings may lead to recommendations on the monitoring and management of blood pressure during the pandemic. Prof Padmanabhan said: “The current COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has exposed unexpected cardiovascular vulnerabilities at all stages of the disease. The mechanism by which the SARS-CoV-2 virus causes infection is believed to directly and indirectly affect the cardiovascular system potentially resulting in new-onset hypertension, heart failure and stroke and represents an insidious feature of long-COVID. “The burden of hypertension as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown, but given the scale of the infection especially among the young this will be a major concern for the future. In this project, we plan to generate valuable evidence that will inform hypertension management strategies and reduce cardiovascular risk for survivors of COVID-19.”
Heart Research UK pledges over £500,000 for COVID-19 research Posted on March 6, 2021May 26, 2025 by Sarah Gill Given the overwhelming response to our new COVID-19 research grant, we have decided to fund three new research projects to investigate how COVID-19 affects the heart and circulatory system – an investment of over half a million pounds. Research has shown that people with cardiovascular conditions, including high blood pressure, have a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19. COVID-19 can also cause ‘new’ damage to the heart and blood vessels in people who have no pre-existing disease. Heart Research UK’s new grant scheme was designed to fund pioneering research to investigate these links and improve outcomes for patients suffering from COVID-19 who may have underlying cardiovascular problems. The grants have been awarded to Newcastle University, the University of Dundee and University of Glasgow. The University of Dundee project, led by Professor Faisel Khan, Professor of Cardiovascular Sciences, will study whether inflammation in the body caused by COVID-19 contributes to long-term damage to the blood vessels. The project at the Newcastle University, which will be led by Professor Ioakim Spyridopoulos, Professor of Cardiovascular Gerontology, will investigate long-term inflammation of the heart in COVID-19 patients. It is hoped that the findings will guide immune-therapies to prevent heart inflammation and therefore reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in patients recovering from COVID-19. The project at the University of Glasgow, led by Professor Sandosh Padmanabhan, Professor of Cardiovascular Genomics and Therapeutics, is aiming to answer whether: High blood pressure makes COVID-19 infection worse and if so, why. COVID-19 infection makes high blood pressure worse and if so, why. Monitoring and management of high blood pressure needs to be a greater priority during the pandemic. Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive of Heart Research UK, said: “We have known for some time that people with pre-existing heart problems are more susceptible to suffering severe consequences from COVID-19, as well as the virus being able to damage the heart itself. “However, there is a gap in the research here, and Heart Research UK is very proud to be funding three cutting edge projects that are aiming to help us better understand the most pressing medical challenge in a generation. “The research we fund has one aim – to benefit patients as soon as possible. We are hopeful that these projects will help to bring about tangible improvements in the way we care for those with COVID-19 and cardiovascular issues.”
Our year in review: 2020 Posted on February 28, 2021May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill 2020 was a tough year for all of us. But thanks to you, our wonderful and dedicated supporters, we were still able to achieve some pretty incredible things. We wanted to share some of those with you, with our review of 2020. We launched special grants to investigate links between heart disease and COVID-19, awarded over £400,000 to new research projects, smashed our fundraising record for the anonymous heART project, hosted an online quiz with our Patron Mark Bonnar and much, much more.
Pancake Day! Posted on February 16, 2021May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill This Pancake Day, many of us will be at the ready with our flour, eggs and milk to whip up this classically simple recipe. Formally known as Shrove Tuesday, pancake day started as a day where people would empty their cupboards of ingredients in preparation for the 40 day fast prior to Easter. Pancakes offered the perfect opportunity to use up the last of our most basic ingredients and therefore became the go-to recipe around this time of the year. Whilst the tradition of using flour, eggs and milk is still a hit in many households, alternative recipes can be healthier and just as tasty. Why Change My Recipe? Whilst flour, eggs and milk are all ingredients we can use in moderation, we know that too many refined grain products, such as white flour can leave us feeling hungry. Alternatively, higher fibre foods such as whole-meal grains and oats can help to lower our cholesterol, reducing our risk of heart disease, and maintain good digestive health. In addition to changing the pancake recipe, it may also be beneficial to consider what goes on top of your pancake. Some of the most common toppings include lemon and sugar or chocolate spread which are low in vitamins and minerals and are high in sugar which can contribute to weight gain if not eaten in moderation. It is recommended that we keep added sugar (such as that found in sweets, cakes and biscuits) to a minimum, aiming to consume no more than 30g each day. That’s around the same amount of sugar as in one regular size bar of chocolate or a can of coke. Instead, opting for heart-healthy fruits such as a handful of strawberries or blueberries, or perhaps a spoon of low-fat yoghurt, will help to keep the calories down whilst also adding a whole host of vitamins to your plate. For a boost of heart-healthy fats, try also adding a handful of nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or cashews to your pancakes. As well as adding texture and taste to your meal, nuts contain high levels of unsaturated fats which are important for good heart heath and also contain high levels of fibre and protein.How Should I Cook My Pancakes? Although baking, boiling and steaming are generally considered the healthiest cooking methods, you will need to fry your pancakes for the best results. The healthiest way to fry any food is to choose an oil which is vegetable-based and has a high heat tolerance, such as rapeseed oil. Doing so will mean that you benefit from the heart-healthy fats found in vegetables oils. You may also opt for a low-fat butter alternative if you prefer the taste. Using oils and butters in moderation by shallow frying in no more than one teaspoon of oil will also help to ensure that you are not consuming too many calories. With all of this in mind, we have created a heart-healthy recipe for you to follow this Pancake Day – check it out by clicking on the button below!
Long-term Heart Research UK corporate partner Caravan Guard smash fundraising record Posted on February 15, 2021May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Leisure insurance specialists Caravan Guard, who have been partnered with Heart Research UK for many years, raised over £20,000 for Heart Research UK in 2020 – a new record for the partnership. Caravan Guard has been raising money for Heart Research UK for more than a decade by donating £1 to the charity each time a new caravan, campervan or motorhome insurance customer opts for their policy documents to be emailed rather than posted. In 2020, its “Paperless Policies” campaign raised a record breaking £20,358 – the most it’s ever raised in a 12-month period. In the same year, the Halifax-based company also celebrated insuring more than 105,000 customers. Heart Research UK recorded a special thank you video to staff at Christmas to show their enormous appreciation for the incredible fundraising efforts of Caravan Guard. The total amount gifted to the charity in the last 11 years is a whopping £131,750. Even though the Coronavirus pandemic put a stop to many fundraising activities, Caravan Guard staff also took part in the national 2.6 challenge and ran a hamper competition to top up their charity efforts. Laura Wilby, Associate Director of Caravan Guard, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be writing a cheque for more than £20,000 this year for a charity which is very close to our hearts. “Having seen and heard first-hand how our money is spent, we’re also very grateful to our customers who chose to go paperless so we can pass on this incredible sum of money to help with the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.” To find out more about how your company can partner with Heart Research UK, please visit https://heartresearcho.wpenginepowered.com/corporate-fundraising/ Related
Our year in review – 2021 Posted on January 30, 2021May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill 2021 was another challenging year for all of us. But thanks to you, our fantastic and dedicated supporters, we were able to deliver some remarkable achievements to help us take on heart disease. We wanted to share these with you, with our review of 2021. We awarded more than £2 million to research grants across the UK, which is more than ever before, this included funding research grants investigating links between heart disease and COVID-19, released our first ever cookbook with healthy recipes from John Wicks and other famous faces, smashed our fundraising goal for the anonymous heART project, launched our first campaign with Scottish Women in Sport and so much more.
Avoid over-indulging on Easter eggs Posted on January 4, 2021May 26, 2025 by Sarah Gill Food plays an important part in most people’s Easter celebrations and it can be easy to over-indulge on chocolate eggs and other tasty treats over the long weekend. Chocolate is high in fat, saturated fat and sugar. Eating too much chocolate can lead to weight gain as well as increasing your risk of heart disease. It is OK to have some chocolate over the Easter break, but try to avoid having too much. We provide some tips for a healthier, guilt-free Easter. What’s in my Easter egg? A large Cadbury’s dairy milk Easter egg (286g) contains 1,533 kilocalories (kcals), which is almost the entire daily energy requirement for a woman. It is recommended that women consume around 2000 kcals daily and men should aim for approximately 2,500 kcals each day. Check the nutrition label to see how many kcals are in your Easter egg. Some Easter eggs will display the number of kcals per 100 grams or per portion, rather than for the entire contents, so you may need to calculate it yourself. Avoid snacking on chocolate all day Decide how much chocolate you are going to allow yourself to eat, and put the rest away, out of sight. Make sure you have plenty of healthy snack foods around, such as fruit and vegetable sticks, low-calorie yogurts and unsalted nuts to help you avoid reaching for the chocolate when you feel hungry. Buy smaller Easter eggs or non-edible gifts If you are buying Easter eggs for other people, why not choose smaller sized chocolate eggs or switch to non-edible gifts, such as a toy, an egg cup or a bunch of flowers. Head outdoors and step away from the chocolate! Make the most of the Spring weather and get outdoors to burn off some of those extra calories from your Easter eggs. Going for a walk, run or bike ride can be a good way to shift your focus away from food. Remember to leave the chocolate at home! Get the kids moving If you have children, why not distract them from the chocolate by setting up some indoor or outdoor Easter games. You could get them hopping like Easter bunnies, doing an egg and spoon race or hunting around the garden for Easter toys. Melt the chocolate eggs to create healthier treats Why not melt your chocolate eggs and mix them with wholegrain cereal, such as shredded wheat, to create Easter nests. Instead of topping the nests with mini eggs, why not add a strawberry or some blueberries. Alternatively, you could chop up some fruit, such as apples, pears, bananas and pineapple, and dip the fruit in melted chocolate.
Our winter Pulse 2020! Posted on December 21, 2020May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill The latest edition of our Pulse magazine is here! As always, it’s packed full of inspiring and exciting articles that we’re proud to share with you. Despite 2020 being a year of many challenges, we have also had many reasons to celebrate. The winter Pulse edition is bursting with stories from people who have overcome heart related illness due to the work of Heart Research UK. We are also very excited to share the success of our anonymous heart project which fundraised an overwhelming amount this year thanks to all the talented artists and generous bidders who took part. The magazine also includes an interview with The Cure’s Robert Smith, now an official patron of the charity! Heart Research UK has worked tirelessly to adapt to the COVID-19 restrictions in place to keep our research into the treatment, prevention and cure of heart disease on course. We are very pleased to share in the next Pulse edition that we have launched a £250,000 grant to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 and heart disease, to ensure that we can continue to support the most cutting-edge research. We have also had to adapt our fundraising challenges to COVID-19 restrictions – read all about our virtual London marathon and our other fantastic fundraisers. Feeling festive yet? Discover our favourite eating ‘heartily’ festive recipes, including a chocolate yule log for a delicious, cholesterol conscious, Christmas treat. With the New Year just round the corner, we would like to thank everyone who supported Heart Research UK this year. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Can art be good for you? Posted on December 11, 2020May 26, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Miette Dsouza We paint what we feel, and we buy art that we emotionally connect with. That’s why art is a window into our souls. It is a medium through which we can unload our emotional baggage without feeling like a burden to others. Art and wellbeing have always gone hand in hand. Whether you are producing or purchasing art, it prevails as a great stress buster and mental health booster. With our anonymous heART project, you can own a piece of limited-edition art and help you support our life-saving work. How does art help us? It builds focus. Art can either tell a story, evoke a certain emotion, or help you recall a memory. When looking at art you are continuously analysing characters in the piece, observing splashes of colour or reminiscing about your experiences. Your mind is constantly stimulated by several elements of the artwork focusing you on positive emotions and helping to reduce stress. Paying attention to details of paintings or focusing on the beauty of an art piece will also help increase your attention span and improve your concentration. Give meditation through art a shot Creating your own art proves to be a good distraction from everyday life. It gives you an outlet for release of pent up frustrations and an opportunity for growth especially if used as a meditation tool. When meditating if you have trouble with being able to picture yourself in your happy place, making a visually appealing object the nexus of your attention could help you along the process. Staring at a landscape painting and imagining yourself in it or following lines that get lost within each other in abstract art could help you achieve a state of zen. It encourages creativity and introspection Art is fluid. There is no right or wrong answer. It is freeing and that’s what allows you to not stress about making mistakes. While creating compositions you are constantly thinking about what colours to use and what you can add to make your piece more attractive. You are actively thinking out of the box, making connections, and inspecting your artwork as you do so. Creating art propels creative thinking. Creating art also motivates you to introspect. Sometimes, you may need to take inspiration from your past to get started on a masterpiece. When reflecting you’re thinking about the emotions you felt at the time and reflecting them onto canvas. Studies have shown that the majority of people undertaking art workshops feel a decrease in feelings of anxiety and felt more socially included.
Fundraising record smashed! Anonymous heART project raises over £53,000 Posted on November 30, 2020May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill We are delighted to announce that the anonymous heART project 2020 has raised an unbelievable £53,000! All 497 of the original, A5 artworks sold on the online auction, which ran on eBay from the 6th-15th November. All of the pieces were sold anonymously, and though a full list of contributors was available, the artist of each piece has been kept a secret, only being revealed to winning bidders now the auction is over. The bestselling piece was an original painting by Robert Smith, iconic rock star and frontman of The Cure, which commanded a stunning £5,100 in the online auction. The piece, entitled “I will kiss you forever…” featured the lyrics “on nights like this”, taken from The Cure’s hit song ‘The same deep water as you.’ The second highest seller was by internationally-acclaimed Spanish painter Pejac, piece titled ‘Bottomless pit’ fetching a whopping £1,793. Now in its third year, the anonymous heART project has seen over 1,300 artworks sold, raising over £110,000 for Heart Research UK’s pioneering research in to the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease. Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive of Heart Research UK, said: “The dust has finally started to settle from 2020’s anonymous heART project, and what a journey it has been. Every year, we are blown away by the generosity of the artists and the people bidding. We’ve smashed our fundraising target, so we would all like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated their time and efforts to the campaign. “At Heart Research UK, we’re always looking for fun and interesting ways to raise money. The anonymous heART project allows people to support ground-breaking medical research but also get a little something back, owning their own mini-masterpieces. “What makes this project so special is that everyone has the chance to own a piece of iconic art. It really is making high class art available to all, and we’re thrilled all 497 pieces have found a new home! To find out more and to register your interest in next year’s anonymous heART project, please visit heartresearch.org.uk/anonymous-heart/
Is art the secret to a happier and healthier lifestyle? Posted on November 15, 2020May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Charlotte Crompton With our anonymous heART project, we’re are giving you the opportunity to brighten up your home, express your personality and support a great cause. Sounds good right? At a time when lots of us are at home more than ever and are turning to holistic activities like yoga and meditation to improve health and wellbeing, why not check out the benefits of introducing art to your home? We have almost 500 pieces of artwork created by big names across the art and entertainment available for you to bid on and brighten up your home before the winter months set in. So, what are the benefits of art? Art allows you to ask questions, reflect on emotions and think about new ideas Whether it’s a memory, feeling or thought, a piece of art can evoke powerful emotions when we look at it. This enables us to reflect on our emotions and beliefs and art provides the comfort and reassurance that we are not isolated in those thoughts. Art which is more than decoration, and can challenge you intellectually and confront pre-existing ideas that you may hold. By exploring these feelings, we begin to think more openly, challenge ourselves and see the world from a different viewpoint. Having artwork capable of shifting your worldview and making you think differently about things is a daily reminder to question our habits and thoughts. Do you have a room suffering with an identity crisis? A room that previously lacked personality and character can suddenly come to life by simply bringing in art that speaks to you. Choosing art that you connect with is great therapy for those who want to express themselves. Also, from a design perspective, art acts as a focal point, making a room appear finished and reflects your personality. Art is one of the most personal items in a house and showcasing it lets you create more meaningful connections with guests. Your home is your space and filling it with art you love will help you enjoy where you spend the majority of your time. The healing power of art You don’t have to create art for it to have a positive impact on your mental wellbeing. Finding artwork that you have an emotional connection with can improve mental health, as studies show that art can reduce levels of anxiety and depression. If you feel inspired by the #anonartproject to have a go yourself, there is evidence to suggest that participation in art may delay the onset of dementia, and that it can impact cognitive functioning, through stimulating memories, and attention. In addition, producing art in classes or groups can improve the mood and confidence of people living with dementia and increase their social engagement. Also, having art in your workspace can help to keep you inspired and reduce stress when working from home. To find out more, check these links: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/blog/how-arts-can-help-improve-your-mental-health https://www.health.harvard.edu/mental-health/the-healing-power-of-art A source of inspiration Seeing other people do what they love while being successful and bringing other people joy is what we all want to do. That’s why we have idols and follow Instagram accounts of inspirational people – because their passion is contagious. Often we hear our friends, or even ourselves, making excuses for not doing the things that bring us joy, saying, “I would paint more if I had time.” Artists pursuing their passion and working against the grain, inspire us to do the same. Art encourages us to do what we love, try new things and open up to being vulnerable. Accepting this challenge encourages growth and has amazing health benefits. For whatever reason you choose to add some art to your home, we want you to find a piece you can fall in love with. You can browse and bid on all the artwork in the anonymous heART project by visiting heartresearch.org.uk/anonymous-heart/. All the money raised will support pioneering research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart diseases.A selection of the anonymous heART project artworkA selection of the anonymous heART project artworkA selection of the anonymous heART project artwork Related
Anonymous heART project 2020 – Meet the artists Posted on November 14, 2020May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Charlotte Crompton. We know you’re all loving the anonymous heART project, but wouldn’t it be great to learn a little more about some of the artists behind the postcards? Here is a little more information about the artists who’ve contributed to this year’s auction. Just a note – the images here don’t necessarily correspond to the artists profiled. It’s got to be anonymous after all! Ralph Steadman Instagram: @steadmanart Since entering the industry as a cartoonist, Ralph has experimented throughout his 60 year career in sculpting, designing, and writing and has even illustrated classics such as Alice in Wonderland, Treasure Island and Animal Farm. He is maybe best known for his work with Hunter S. Thompson, producing the cover art for Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. In recent years, Ralph has been illustrating political caricatures for the New Statesman, The Independent and the New York Observer. Pejac Instagram @pejac_art Pejac is a Spanish artist with a tremendous ability to communicate meaningful messages through his provocative, striking and emotional artwork. Throughout the Covid-19 lockdown, Pejac’s dedicated his time to producing artwork for healthcare workers and hospitals in his hometown of Santander, which was deeply affected by the virus. From his postcard, we could potentially expect something capable of stopping us in our tracks; forcing us to think and reflect on the difficulties faced by the world today. Ashley Jackson Instagram: @ashleyjacksongallery Ashley is one of Britain’s leading and most successful landscape watercolourists, whose artwork is synonymous with Yorkshire. The moors above and around his gallery are a common theme throughout his art. As he says: ““Yorkshire, if not for you I would not be an artist. You are the one who made my eyes see and my heart feel.” Fanakapan Instagram: @fanakapan Fanakapan is a London-based street artist with a high profile in the urban contemporary art scene. With his superb free hand skills, Fanakapan creates hyper realistic visuals of real life objects. The 3D effect of his creations look so realistic that they will force you to do a double take. The self-taught artist from Dorset wants people to decide for themselves what the message behind his artwork is. Norman Ackroyd, CBE, RA Instagram: @normanackroyd Born in Leeds, Norman is a landscape artist whose love for nature was nurtured by long bicycle rides in the Yorkshire Dales as a young boy. Despite working with a range of media, he is most prolific in etching. Norman has won a number of awards and his work is displayed in the Tate, the British Museum, and the National Gallery of Art, Washington. Hayden Kays Instagram: @Haydenkays Hayden Kays is a British artist whose work is characterised by bold imagery, accomplished craftsmanship and deadpan humour. His unique style has sold to celebrities such as Chris Martin and Noel Fielding and it has been the cover art for rock bands including The Kooks and the Tribes. Hayden’s first book, ‘Hayden Kays is an Artist’ is a selected collection of his art and has been declared ‘a seriously good-looking book’ by Banksy. Sarah Graham Instagram: @sarahgraham_art Sarah Graham is a British artist who works almost exclusively with oil on canvas. Her vibrant and energetic artwork is a reflection of her fun loving personality and self-confessed obsession with colour. In 2012, Sarah painted the album cover of the Kaiser Chief’s singles collection ‘Souvenir’, which was released worldwide. The bands lead singer, Ricky Wilson, praises Sarah’s ability to “take something mundane, like the lollies she paints, and elevate it to the status of something more.” Now you’ve got the info, can you spot the stunning pieces by these artists?
How to spot a masterpiece Posted on November 13, 2020May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Miette Dsouza By now, you should all know that the anonymous heART project is in full swing, with hundreds of pieces of stunning art up for grabs on eBay. If not, where have you been?! With the artist of each piece kept a secret until after bidding is over, we thought it only fair that we provide you with a guide on how to spot the best of the mini masterpieces. Whether you’re a collector or or a casual art lover, with our tips and tricks, you’ll be able to recognize quality art and purchase it at a bargain! Every artist has a niche, a distinct style that sets them apart from others. It could be the colours or textures they use, the way they draw certain characters, or their incentive to paint a piece. But a key trait all artists share is their attention to detail. Look out for uniqueness and authenticity Originality is predominantly what you should be looking for when browsing art. You need to ask yourself: “What makes this piece special?” It’s not just aesthetics that attribute to quality art, it’s the context of the piece that does. The artist’s stylistic background and their interpretation of the painting form the context. The painting could have symbolic elements, it could have a strong focal point that makes it a statement piece or be a composition that tells a story. Knowing the context also helps you understand the amount of time and effort the artist has put into creating the piece therefore helping you really spot the masterpieces. Identifying skills and techniques The skill and technique of an artist cannot be easily replicated by another which is what makes a painting more valuable. There are basic elements of art every artist uses to make a good painting, arranged in different quantities and patterns to form the overall composition. Here are three of the most important elements to keep an eye out for. Balance of positive and negative space – Space is the area around an object or the distance between two objects. The accurate use of space is crucial to every piece of art, giving a painting depth and focus on certain elements. Artists use space to set the tone of their piece or give the eye a place to rest and the brain time to comprehend. Colour – The use of different colour palettes set the mood of the piece. While mismatched colour combinations may be common in abstract and contemporary art, in other artistic styles, colours that complement each other make the painting easy on the eyes. So, if you feel yourself being drawn in by the colours of a piece it’s probably worth spending your money on. Texture –Artists use different paints and tools to make the artwork look and feel different to the eye. Texture enhances the artwork and gives it more character. Examine brush strokes and paint splatters on art, and ask why it has been created in this way. Asymmetrical and Symmetrical balance Symmetry is one of the main tells of good artwork. It makes a painting satisfying to look at. It doesn’t necessarily mean that paintings have to be mirror images of each other. Look for the use of colour and objects. Are they balanced on either side of the composition? If they are proportional and weighted right, the piece will look more appealing to the eye. Remember! The more you look at art the easier you will find it to pick out things that are out of place. We hope these tips and tricks come in handy whilst you’re searching for your favourite piece in our anonymous heART project. All the money raised will fund vital medical research into the prevention, treatment, and cure of heart diseases. To bid on the artwork, please visit heartresearch.org.uk/anonymous-heart/ Related Related
How to choose art for your home Posted on November 11, 2020May 26, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Charlotte Crompton With Heart Research UK’s anonymous heART project in full swing, we would like everyone involved to get the most out of the auction and come away with a piece of art they will truly love. Choosing art for your home can be difficult; it is an investment and something you will look at every day. Here are a few tips to keep in mind and questions to ask yourself when choosing art for your home. Does the art speak to you? Art is subjective and a piece which connects with someone else might not connect with you. To find art that speaks to you, it is important to ask yourself, how does the art make you feel? Has it sparked a thought or feeling inside you? Do you think the artwork reflects your personality and interests? If you find a piece which ticks these boxes, it will be a good investment. Do you think it’s beautiful? While some people might only buy meaningful art, having art in your house which is merely beautiful should not be downplayed. You will look at the art in your house every day and hopefully it will stay with you forever therefore it is really important that you think it’s visually pleasing. Does it make you feel inspired? Art has the power to uplift our mood, motivate us and help us to feel inspired and creative. The art in your house should be capable of this. Decorate your kitchen with art that makes you smile and motivates you in the morning. Similarly, fill your home study with art that motivates you, reduces stress and keeps you inspired. Seek out unique pieces Though it can be practical and more affordable to buy mass-produced prints, there’s nothing like being the sole owner of an original art piece that can be handed down for generations to come. This will be easily achievable at the #anonartproject auction where hundreds of pieces of art are one-of-a-kind. Think about location The type of art you select for your house can vary depending on what room it is intended for. Most of us tend to feel a lot of pressure choosing art for the living room as it is where most of your guests will spend time. The key is to choose a piece you love, which speaks to you and that displays your personality and interests to visitors. When choosing art for the bedroom, remember that it is a room for relaxation and the artwork should reflect that. Perhaps look at art with soothing colours and tones. Trust your gut instinct If your heart leaps at the sight of a piece, don’t hesitate too long or you could miss out on it. If your connection with a piece of art is instant, you may regret not acting upon it soon enough. Consider the colour scheme While traditional perspectives may advise matching artwork to the colour scheme of your home, this doesn’t always create the best visual effect. More modern approaches suggest avoiding matching your art to the room. Instead, contrast and complement the space with art to create more of a statement and prevent the colour from getting lost. Don’t worry about what others may think While you hope your guests will feel similarly inspired by your choice in artwork, ultimately you want to fill your house with art that speaks to you. Your home is an extension of yourself and should represent who you are so don’t let the opinions of others prevent you from buying art that you adore. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake. Try not to let the pressure of finding the right art for your home put you off. If you have artwork that you like it will work anywhere. So there you have it – you should now have all the know how to choose your next mini masterpiece.
Heart Research UK launch special grant to investigate links between COVID-19 and heart disease Posted on September 18, 2020May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill We are proud to announce that we has launched a new grant of up to £250,000 for research projects investigating the relationship between COVID-19 and heart disease. People with existing cardiovascular disease have a higher risk of severe complications from Covid-19 infection, and evidence is emerging that the virus can cause damage to the heart. There is a pressing need to improve our understanding of the links between COVID-19 and the cardiovascular system, including how COVID-19 infection influences heart disease and whether it changes the ways in which we treat patients. Helen Wilson, Head of Research at Heart Research UK said: “There is a real need for research into the effects of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system. More and more, we are seeing compelling evidence that this virus can cause long term damage to the heart, and that people with existing heart conditions are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill with Covid-19. “Therefore, research is vital to better understand this disease, and improve the ways that we treat and care for patients so that we can potentially save more lives. “Heart Research UK has always been at the cutting edge of research into heart disease, and we are proud to be playing our part in the fight against COVID-19.” Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive at Heart Research UK, said: “This year has shown us the true importance of medical research. It is the only way that we hope to be able to improve the treatment and care on offer to people affected by heart disease. “With this brand-new grant, we are hoping to support research that is going to have a timely and lasting impact on the lives of people that are at risk. “Heart Research UK has always focused on benefitting patients as soon as possible, and through this grant, we hope to be able to improve the treatment and care on offer to people suffering from heart disease.” As a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), Heart Research UK uses a rigorous scientific review process to ensure that only the best research projects in universities and hospitals are funded. The Medical Review Panel advises the Charity on which research projects to support and is made up of scientists and clinicians from research institutions across the country. For more information on the Heart Research UK COVID-19 Research Grant, and to submit an application for your research project, please visit https://heartresearcho.wpenginepowered.com/covid-19-grant/
Art for hearts! The anonymous heART project is back and bigger than ever Posted on September 11, 2020May 26, 2025 by Sarah Gill In case you haven’t heard (where have you been?!), the anonymous heART project 2020 is live! This is the third year of one of our most exciting fundraisers. Almost 500 pieces of A5 artwork, created by a veritable who’s-who of international artists and celebs are all up for auction on eBay right now. The twist? Though the list of artists will be available to all bidders, the artist of each individual piece will be kept anonymous, only being revealed once the auction is over. Do you have an artistic eye keen enough to grab yourself a mini masterpiece? Robert Smith (The Cure), Ralph Steadman, Joe Lycett, and Ashley Jackson are just some of this year’s contributors. For a complete list and catalogue of the art, head on over to https://heartresearcho.wpenginepowered.com/anonymous-heart/, where you can check out your favourite pieces before bidding over on eBay. Now in its third year, the anonymous heART project has seen almost 1000 pieces of exceptional art auctioned off to raise money for our pioneering research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive of Heart Research UK, said: “The anonymous heART project is one of the most exciting projects Heart Research UK has ever run. The quantity and quality of the artwork that we have received from artists, designers and celebrities all over the world has been astounding. “We’re always looking for fun and interesting ways to raise money. The anonymous heART project allows people to support ground-breaking medical research but also get a little something back, owning their own mini-masterpiece created by an artist or celeb. So, head on over and get bidding!
Research Works – National Heart Month Posted on July 2, 2020May 26, 2025 by Sarah Gill To mark World Heart Month, throughout February we will be sharing the stories of some of our supporters and how research has changed their lives. You can read each of their stories below. In 2003 London taxi driver Dan Burgess experienced a life-threatening aortic dissection, which is a tear in the aorta – the major artery that takes blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Aortic dissection is a fatal condition for many patients and kills more people in the UK each year than road traffic accidents. Against the odds, Dan survived and went on to found Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland, the national patient association for aortic dissection, which supports people affected, campaigns to raise awareness and works to improve diagnosis and treatment. Thanks to research, Dan is still with us and his work has benefitted many other patients too. “I didn’t know whether she would survive. I sat praying the entire time that she would pull through.” Imogen was only six months old when doctors realised her chest infections were much more serious than they thought. She had a seven-hour long operation to correct a rare heart condition and then was put on a life-support machine. Thanks to research, Imogen is living a happy and healthy life. “So many people are living with genetic heart conditions without knowing. I was the first to discover it was in the family. I used to love high intensity exercise and had no idea I was putting myself in danger. I was on a run one morning when my heart went into VT (ventricular tachycardia – a heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia) caused by abnormal electrical signals in the lower chambers of the heart). I was very lucky that I didn’t have a cardiac arrest. Thanks to research I now have an ICD in my chest that keeps me safe should my heart go into a dangerous rhythm again. I’m just happy to be here.” Rebecca Shorrocks suffered a heart attack in 1995, then I needed to undergo heart surgery in 1997. “I’m still here, and that’s down to research. Through the years, I’ve taken lots of medication for my heart, and it works wonders. I’m still here 25 years later, and that’s down to research. I was told I would have 10, maybe 15 years, but I’m still going strong. I live life to the fullest and just enjoy life now.” Hugh Moncrieff, discovered that he was suffering from Atrial Fibrillation. “Not too long ago, I struggled to walk very far and my breathing was terrible. I went to see my doctor, who thought I was having a heart attack, and the specialists in hospital ran tests and kept me there for over a week. Atrial fibrillation was suspected amongst other things. They put me on a course of medication, and told me I would most likely need an operation. I was advised to lose weight and exercise. I took on some Heart Research UK challenges, and I have now lost 6 stone and been discharged from hospital, with no operation required, and I’m raising a bit of money to give back to them to carry on the work that had saved my life.”
Making every donor heart count Posted on May 28, 2020May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Mr Steven Tsui, Royal Papworth Hospital £249,612 Heart transplantation is by far the best treatment for people with advanced heart failure but there is a lack of suitable donor hearts. In the UK, the number of patients on the waiting list for a heart transplant has more than doubled in the last ten years. Hearts are generally donated by people who have died from strokes or massive brain injury. However, the effects of brain death together with conventional ways of managing the donor and of retrieving the heart often result in injury to the heart. As a result, less than 30 per cent of donated hearts are accepted by doctors for transplantation. The aim of this project was to develop techniques to limit injury to donor hearts after brain death, so that a greater proportion can be used for transplantation. The research team put together special apparatus that could be used to rest the donor heart before retrieval by supporting the circulation of the donor, as well as keeping the donor heart beating outside of the body after retrieval. Also, they showed that a new surgical technique could be safely carried out to retrieve donor hearts without having to interrupt the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. They then compared donor hearts managed in the conventional way with donor hearts managed with the special apparatus and new surgical technique. This showed that donor hearts appeared to beat more strongly with the new apparatus and surgical technique suggesting that there was less injury to the donor heart. This exciting research may lead to better use of valuable donor hearts, fulfilling the wishes of more donors and their families who have generously offered organs for transplantation. Above all, it would give more patients who are dying from severe heart failure the chance of a life-saving heart transplant.
Development of a novel biological medicine for heart attack Posted on May 28, 2020May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Professor Ken Suzuki, William Harvey Research Institute £88,489 Despite recent medical progress, heart attack and resulting heart failure are still major causes of death and disability in the UK. Research has shown that the heart contains cells called ‘macrophages’; these cells are usually involved in our immune system but also have an important role in repair and regeneration of the heart after a heart attack. Using a laboratory model which mimics heart attack in humans, this project investigated the effects of a naturally-occurring messenger chemical, called Interleukin-4 (IL-4), on macrophages and the heart. The findings show that IL-4 stimulated macrophages and was an effective treatment for heart attack. Also, the study optimised the dose and timing of the treatment, showing that IL-4 was effective when given in the early stages following heart attack and that the benefits lasted for a long while, with no side-effects being seen. These promising results show that IL-4 has potential as a safe and effective new biological drug for the treatment of heart attack. Prof Suzuki is now planning further studies to help progress the drug towards clinical trials in the future.
A more comprehensive lipid test to assess cardiovascular disease risk Posted on May 28, 2020May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Professor Manuel Mayr, King’s College London £98,808 It is well-known that risk factors such as obesity, smoking, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and diabetes can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, assessment of these traditional risk factors fails to predict CVD in certain patients. People tend to have a lipid blood test to help calculate their risk of developing CVD which relies on measurements of just four classes of lipid and in some CVD patients levels can be within the recommended range. The aim of this project was to develop a ‘lipid profiling’ test that can measure a wider range of different fats and ‘lipoproteins’ in the blood to better identify people at increased risk of CVD. The team’s work first measured more than 100 different lipid species in nearly 700 individuals and associated these measurements with CVD outcomes over a 10-year observation period. This research complemented this lipid profiling work by analysing the protein component of ‘lipoproteins’ that bind lipids and help to transport them in the blood. The findings provide evidence that the advanced techniques used by the team can reliably detect and quantify a wider range of lipids and lipoproteins, and that some of these may be promising new ‘biomarkers’ for assessing CVD risk. Professor Mayr’s team now plans to develop the lipoprotein profiling test further. A more comprehensive test for CVD prediction than the traditional measurements of lipid classes currently used, could help with early diagnosis and prevention through lifestyle changes or medication.
The benefits of breaking up prolonged sedentary time on heart disease risk in people with spinal cord injury Posted on May 28, 2020May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Dr Daniel Bailey, University of Bedford £86,434 Prolonged periods of time spent being inactive and sitting (sedentary) increases the risk of heart disease even if the person is active at other times. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in people with spinal cord injury which may be because they are highly sedentary. This research looked at whether breaking up prolonged periods of sedentary time with short regular bouts of activity can lower heart disease risk in people with spinal cord injury. The study measured heart disease risk markers over the course of a single day with participants either remaining sedentary or breaking up their sedentary time with two minute bouts of arm cycling exercise every 20 minutes. The study found that breaking up sedentary time led to a reduction in blood sugar levels compared to uninterrupted sedentary time. High blood sugar levels increase the risk of heart disease so these findings suggest that this exercise regime may help reduce the risk of heart disease in people with spinal cord injury. A large proportion of people with a spinal cord injury don’t take part in enough moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise to benefit their health. Breaking up sedentary time may therefore be an important addition to the traditional structured exercise guidelines as it may be more achievable for people. In the long term, these findings will help to develop new physical activity and clinical care guidelines that health professionals can use to help people with spinal cord injury lower their risk of heart disease.
Developing a new blood test to identify high-risk patients following treatment for a heart attack Posted on May 28, 2020May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Professor Ioakim Spyridopoulos, Newcastle University £29,980 The coronary arteries supply the heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood and a heart attack is usually caused by the blockage of a coronary artery. This starves the heart muscle of oxygen and the heart may be permanently damaged. The death rate from heart attacks has significantly fallen over the last decade and more people are surviving heart attacks. This is partly due to advances in treatment, including coronary angioplasty and stent implantation to re-open the blocked coronary artery. However, 20 per cent of patients who undergo this procedure have a higher risk of developing heart failure in the future. The aim of this project was to develop a blood test to identify high-risk patients using a new technology called ‘droplet digital PCR’. The technology was used to investigate whether tiny molecules, called microRNAs, may be useful as ‘biomarkers’ to predict which patients are at future high risk. Some of these microRNAs are released into the blood stream from damaged heart muscle soon after patients have undergone stent treatment to re-open a blocked coronary artery. The research team measured blood levels of more than 2,000 microRNAs during the first three hours following stent implantation to treat a heart attack. They found two microRNAs which could predict a bad outcome following a heart attack and which therefore have the potential to act as biomarkers. Further research in larger number of patients is now needed to assess whether these markers can predict risk and recovery after a heart attack. If successful, this may lead to a blood test to help doctors identify which patients are at higher risk of developing heart failure so that they can be closely monitored and given further treatments.
Developing new MRI techniques for microscopic insights into heart muscle structure Posted on May 28, 2020May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Professor David Firmin and Dr Andrew Scott, Royal Brompton Hospital and Imperial College London £106,043 During a heart attack some of muscle cells of the heart may die or be damaged. This often leads to this part of the heart wall becoming thin and not contracting as well as the rest of the heart. Doctors can look at the heart using several different scanning methods to measure the damage caused by a heart attack but one new method shows the changes in much greater detail. The new method, called diffusion tensor cardiovascular magnetic resonance (DT-CMR), could give doctors important new information on what happens to the heart after a heart attack, helping them decide on the best treatment for each patient. Without DT-CMR, this information about the heart muscle on a microscopic level is only available in a lab from pieces of muscle cut out of the heart. However, the pictures from DT-CMR have not been detailed or sharp enough so far to show the thin heart wall damaged by a heart attack. This PhD project developed a DT-CMR method that collects data and builds up the picture over several heart beats to provide greater detail and sharpness. They made these improvements by recording pictures along spiral paths rather than the more traditional MRI way that collects pictures along a snake-like path from bottom-left to top-right. There are several down-sides to these spiral methods but Professor Firmin’s team successfully developed new ways to overcome these issues. The team carried out studies in healthy volunteers and patients who had suffered a heart attack in the past to compare the new spiral DT-CMR method they had developed with existing ones. They showed that the new spiral method produced greater detail and sharpness, and that it revealed differences between the regions of the hearts damaged by a heart attack and other regions of the hearts. The extra detail and sharpness that the new method gives is important as it means that researchers and doctors can study the hearts of patients with thin heart muscle, which is a feature of many heart diseases. The method may provide earlier diagnosis, new information on how diseases affect the heart and novel insights into treatments. Professor Firmin’s team continues with their cutting-edge work on spiral DT-CMR methods and expects them to be used in the future to help doctors decide on the best treatment for each patient.
Caravan Guard smash fundraising milestone Posted on February 3, 2020May 26, 2025 by Sarah Gill Heart Research UK’s long standing corporate partner Caravan Guard have broken a major fundraising milestone, having now raised more than £110,000 for our pioneering research. Caravan Guard, who specialise in insurance for caravans and motorhomes, introduced their Paperless Policies initiative 10 years ago, which sees them donate £1 to Heart Research UK each time a new caravan, campervan or motorhome insurance customer opts for their policy documents to be emailed rather than posted out. Throughout 2019, Caravan Guard’s Paperless Policies campaign and other fundraising efforts raised a hearty £17,645, pushing the total gifted in the last decade to an incredible £110,887. Caravan Guard staff have also raised money by taking on challenges such as the Great North Run half marathon and running healthy heart events. A “love yourself” event saw the charity deliver health and lifestyle checks and staff were encouraged to make 2020 the year to care completely about their health, as well as others. Associate Director Laura Wilby presented Heart Research UK with a cheque for £17,645 during the Halifax-based company’s healthy heart day. “We’re delighted to have raised so much money for such a great cause in 2019 and absolutely thrilled to have smashed through the £100,000 mark in the last decade,” said Laura. “A big thank you to our customers too, who have chosen to go paperless so we can pass on all this money to help with the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.” Heart Research UK CEO, Kate Bratt-Farrar, said: “Over the last 10 years, we have been blown away time and again with the generosity of the Caravan Guard customers and staff. To have raised over £110,000 is a truly remarkable achievement, and we can’t thank them enough. “The money that Caravan Guard has raised will be used to benefit patients as soon as possible, funding life-saving research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.” To find out more about how your company can work with Heart Research UK to help us take on heart disease, visit our corporate partnership pages.