Research

“As a clinical cardiologist, every day I see patients who are struggling to cope with the debilitating symptoms of heart failure. Tiredness, shortness of breath, lack of appetite and depression are just some of the problems with which they have to cope. As a BHF research cardiologist I have been able to build on the fundamental research of my peers and undertake trials that have given an almost forgotten drug called perhexiline, and my patients, a new lease of life.

The results of our studies on the effects of perhexiline on heart failure symptoms were much more dramatic than we could ever have expected. I was stunned by the magnitude of the benefit – so much greater than I had expected and much greater than other heart failure drugs. It has transformed many of my patients’ lives – from being able to do little more than sit around the house to being able to climb stairs and walk long distances on flat ground. These might seem small achievements to those of us with healthy hearts, but for those who struggle through each day, they’re huge steps forward. None of this could have happened without the support of the BHF. They do a magnificent job and thanks to their support for my research I can take the step from lab bench to bedside – a step that makes it all worthwhile.”