Are “minor” heart attacks really minor?
Heart attacks caused by a partial blockage of a heart’s arteries were seen as “minor” and often mistreated. BHF-funded research helped change that.
Heart attack research achievements
Since BHF was founded, we’ve supported lifesaving research into the treatment, detection, and prevention of heart attacks. Our research has helped to save thousands of lives.
Transforming heart attack diagnosis and treatment
Heart attack treatment: how many arteries to unblock
BHF-funded research has helped understand if doctors should unblock all blocked arteries or just the main culprit, when treating heart attacks.
Artificial intelligence (AI) for heart attack prediction
AI can help identify people at high risk of a fatal heart attack years before it strikes – thanks to new research that we've funded.
How your genes affect your heart attack risk
Our research has helped find ways to predict which people are at higher risk of heart attacks and could lead to new treatments.
Advanced blood tests to diagnose heart attacks
More sensitive blood tests could help diagnose heart attacks, but it wasn’t clear how well they worked. BHF-funded research helped change that.
Driving progress and discoveries
Transforming heart attack treatment
We’ve made huge progress in treating heart attacks. Find out how we helped set up the first coronary care units.
Finding the causes of heart attacks and how to treat them
Before the mid-1970s, there was no treatment for heart attacks apart from rest and pain relief. BHF-funded research helped change that.
“Beating heart” surgery to reduce complications
BHF-funded researchers have pioneered a new way to do heart bypass surgery, keeping the heart beating during the procedure.
Saving lives in an emergency
From pioneering defibrillators in ambulances to CPR training in communities across the UK, find out how we’ve been helping to save lives since 1961.
Looking inside the heart
Heart scans have come a long way, from echocardiography to CT scans and cardiac MRI. Discover how these technologies are helping patients.
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Our research achievements
Over the past 6 decades, BHF has supported important breakthroughs in our journey to power science to save lives.
Our research impact reports
BHF is the biggest independent funder of heart and circulatory research in the UK. Discover the impact of our research and see how we save lives.
Our research projects
We've made incredible progress tackling cardiovascular diseases, thanks to the work of BHF researchers. Learn more about the research we’re funding.