Developing breakthroughs across Yorkshire for over 60 years

Finding a cure for heart diseases is in our future

Research from Yorkshire, impact across the UK

From our beginnings in Leeds, we have supported research that improves the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases right across the UK. We fund high-quality projects with clear potential to benefit patients and communities, many of which were initiated right here in Leeds. Our focus is on practical outcomes, ensuring research can be translated into real-world impact. We support both early-career researchers and established experts to strengthen the future of cardiovascular science. Take a look and see how research rooted in Yorkshire is helping save lives across the country.

How we are saving lives across Leeds

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Over £2.9million invested in lifesaving research

Since 2010, we have funded 27 research projects totaling £2.9 million in funding including 18 projects right here in Leeds

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Heart diseases are one of the biggest killers in Yorkshire

Data suggests that 25,000 people are living with coronary heart disease across Leeds right now.

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Cardiovascular diseases claim upwards of nearly 14,000 deaths across Yorkshire a year.

We are funding vital research in Leeds and across Yorkshire that will help us to one day find a cure

HRUK target

250,000 lives (and counting) have been saved across the UK

Since the first implantation of the Aspire valve in 1990 developed by our founder, over a quarter of a million people have benefitted from a valve replacement across the UK

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Gerlis Project

Creating 3D heart models of the Gerlis collection

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EXSEL Scholars

Supporting the researchers of the future

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Donate to Research

Research will help us find a cure for heart diseases. Help us end heartbreak by funding our lifesaving work.

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Research Projects based in Leeds

We will not stop until there are no more deaths from heart diseases. To date, we have committed over £1.9m to research projects taking place right here in Leeds.

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Baby MRI Incubator for Leeds Children’s Hospital

Fast, accurate scanning of the heart is essential to determine what type of treatment babies with CHD need, and to effectively monitor the condition going forward.

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Personalised pacemaker programming

Getting the balance right: personalising pacemaker programming to improve the heart’s power output

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Early detection of diabetes using blood vessels

Detecting hidden biomarkers to investigate and diagnose diabetic vascular pathology (resubmission of NET 2018 application)

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Personalised angina care

A pragmatic approach to the investigation of stable chest pain: a UK, multi-centre, randomised trial to improve patient experience, outcomes and NHS cost efficiency

Other Ways to Get Involved

There are so many ways that you can make a difference in our fight against heart diseases.

Patient and Public Network

Your experience of living with a heart condition can help shape our research. We’d love to hear from you.

Help shape our work

Your Stories

Knowing that you aren’t alone in experiencing a heart condition can make all the difference to a person’s life. Your words can help heal. Please consider sharing your story to stop others going through the same heartbreak.

Tell us your story

Partnerships

Our partnerships with organisations and institutions from across Yorkshire have helped to power our work. Help us deliver transformational activity that will save lives.

Join us today

Frequently Asked Questions

Heart Research UK was born in Leeds in 1967, following a public appeal led by heart surgeon David Watson in the Yorkshire Evening Post. The city quickly became a centre for pioneering cardiac innovation, supported by local communities determined to tackle heart disease. That strong foundation in Leeds continues to shape our work today, driving research, prevention and education that impacts lives across the UK.

To find out more about how we were established please visit here

Yes we do. Leeds remains a vital hub for Heart Research UK. We continue to fund innovative research projects in association with some of the well-respected institutions based in and around the city, building on decades of pioneering work. By investing in local expertise and facilities, we help drive forward new treatments and improve heart health outcomes, ensuring Leeds remains at the forefront of cardiovascular research in the UK.

You can read more about our impact here

Booking a heart health check with Heart Research UK is quick and easy. Our free checks are designed to detect early signs of heart disease and support healthier lifestyles. Simply visit our Health Check page to find available sessions near you and secure your appointment. With limited spaces available, we recommend booking early to avoid missing out.