The Story of the BHF

47 Years of Pioneering, Life-Saving Progress

The British Heart Foundation was founded in 1961 by a group of medical professionals who were concerned about the increasing death rate from cardiovascular disease.

Their aim was to raise money to help fund extra research into the causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of heart and circulatory disease.

Since then there have been vital major advances in the treatment and prevention of heart disease.

In 1986, the BHF become more involved in public education, and in 1990 moved into rehabilitation.

Heart surgery is now commonplace and thousands of people are healthier and live longer thanks to new drugs.

The BHF plays a vital role in funding pioneering heart research in the UK, which in turn has an huge impact around the world.

Many of today's new drugs and treatments might never have been possible without the existence of the BHF. To continue this life-saving work for future generations we need your support.

Check out the timeline date links below for the story of heart health advances involving the BHF since the 1960s.

The 1960s > The 1970s > The 1980s > The 1990s > Today and future

Got any questions about this page?