What we do

Research

We will continue to pioneer research into the causes of heart disease and improved methods of prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

We aim to achieve this by:

  • targeting our research funding effectively,

  • identifying new areas of relevant science,

  • attracting the best researchers in the UK and from abroad,

  • providing them with the funding, equipment and facilities to achieve the best results, 

  • concentrating funding on BHF Centres of Research Excellence

Our achievements in 2008-09

Millions of people are counting on our research efforts to succeed. This year, Dr Yin-Biao Sun was one of the many people working towards the next breakthrough.

Transforming our understanding
Dr Sun is a BHF Senior Research Fellow at King's College London. He has already transformed our understanding of how heart muscle cells work, showing that the molecular process is simpler than previously thought.

Although medicines targeting this process are some years off, we’re building on this research and previous breakthroughs in identifying the genetic 'signature' that signals potential inherited heart disease.

One of the results is the BHF Genetic Information Service (0300 456 8383), designed for families with a history of inherited heart disease and Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS).

Using our service, you can now find out what specialist clinical support is available to you and gain an immediate referral. It’s just one of the ways in which our investment in the best research minds is giving real cause for hope in the long term.

Other highlights in brief

  • Led by Professor Andrew Neil at the University of Oxford, a BHF Research Centre of Excellence, our research has made the case for targeted screening to identify the 100,000 people currently affected by a hereditary condition known as Familial Hypercholesterolaemia

  • This year also saw a discovery that could slow the premature ageing of coronary arteries by using treatment with statins to kick-start the cells’ ability to repair themselves. Based on work by our team in Cambridge, this is bringing us closer to a full understanding of the cellular mechanisms that cause heart attacks.

  • Last summer, we announced the winners of our annual science image competition Reflections of Research, designed to raise awareness of our wider research work. Visit our website to see the winning entries.