Does hot weather affect my heart Posted on May 7, 2025May 29, 2025 by laure@heartresearch.org.uk By Olivia Schofield When the heart is exposed to extreme heat, it has to work harder to keep the body cool to ensure it can work effectively. Dr Roy Jogiya, Chief Medical Adviser at Heart Research UK, reveals how hot weather can affect your heart and how you can stay cool. What happens to your heart when you are exposed to extreme heat? Heatwaves and hotter weather mean your body works harder to regulate its body temperature. This causes widening of the blood vessels, known as vasodilation, and sweating to help cool the body down, but this increases strain on the heart. Dr Roy Jogiya, Chief Medical Adviser at Heart Research UK, said: “The heart rate speeds up to pump blood through the wider blood , which could potentially put strain on the heart and blood vessels, especially in vulnerable individuals. “The most vulnerable groups include older adults, individuals with heart conditions, including high blood pressure. These groups may have poor heart and blood vessel function or be less able to adapt to heat stress, making them more likely to suffer from heat-related heart issues.” What are the signs that your heart might be struggling in hot weather? The key signs that your heart might be struggling in the heat include: BreathlessnessDizzinessChest painFatigueDiscomfort or pressure in the chestHeatwaves have been linked to increased hospital admissions for heart attacks, particularly among the elderly and those with pre-existing heart conditions. There have been cases where extreme temperatures have triggered abnormal heart rhythms known as arrhythmias or even cardiac arrest, often in people who are already vulnerable. What can I do to keep cool in the heat? It’s important to stay hydrated when it is hot and drink plenty of fluids. As you are sweating more than usual, you want to stop your blood pressure from dropping too much. Dr Roy explains: “Dehydration may impact heart health. It lowers blood volume, which can lower blood pressure, forcing the heart to pump harder and quicker. This increases the strain on the cardiovascular system and can lead to abnormal heart rhythms known as or increase the risk of heart attacks, especially in those already at risk of heart disease. “To stay safe and hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak heat, and rest in a cool environment. Wearing lightweight clothing and avoiding alcohol or caffeine, which can dehydrate, will also help. Cooling methods like fans or cool showers are important, especially for those at higher risk.” Can I exercise when it’s a heatwave or hot outside? Exercise is extremely important for heart health, reducing your risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol, which are all contributing factors of heart disease. “Exercise in extreme heat can significantly increase heart rate and blood pressure, even in healthy individuals,” says Dr Roy. “The risk is higher with dehydration or if the body is not given enough time to adapt to the heat. Those engaging in outdoor activity should avoid intense exercise during the hottest part of the day and focus on hydration and rest.” It is also important to remember that when it is hot outside, you are more likely to suffer from heatstroke, which is a severe medical emergency caused by the body overheating. Heatstroke can cause symptoms including: ConfusionDizzinessLoss of consciousnessSweatingCold clammy skinFaintingMuscle crampsHeat rashOedema (swelling) in the anklesShallow or fast breathNausea or vomiting It places significant strain on the heart, and in vulnerable individuals, can trigger heart attacks or arrhythmias.If you suspect you or someone you know is suffering from heat stroke, seek medical advice immediately. Dr Roy says: “My key message is, stay aware of your heart health in extreme heat. Be proactive in managing hydration and rest. If you feel unwell, seek help immediately—early intervention can prevent serious complications. “If you have concerns about heat-related health risks, especially regarding your heart, it’s important to continue taking your prescribed medications and not stop them without medical guidance. Always consult your pharmacist or GP if you have any questions or worries. They can provide advice tailored to your specific health needs and help you manage risks effectively.” 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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.’
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.