Cardiovascular disease blights the lives of 11,000 Cambridge residents

Local BHF researchers lead the fight to cut premature deaths by 25% in UK

The heart charity says that too many people die young from devastating cardiovascular conditions, which include heart attack and stroke. Almost 11,000 people in Cambridge are living with cardiovascular disease[2] and it causes more than one in four of all deaths nationally[3].

Today the BHF has outlined its ambition to reduce premature deaths from CVD by 25% by 2025 through increasing its investment in research and reducing the time it takes to turn new discoveries into life-saving medical treatments.

Research breakthroughs have played a major role in the halving of premature deaths in the under 75s over the last 20 years[4]. Advances in heart attack treatments mean 70 per cent of victims leave hospital alive[5] and the use of statins is helping millions cut their risk of having a heart attack.

Today the BHF launched “We fight for every heartbeat: Our strategy to 2020” to continue this downward trend, with researchers from the University of Cambridge at the helm of future life-saving discoveries, where over 100  research grants are funded, costing over £50m.

Nick Morrell, BHF Professor of Cardiopulmonary Medicine and Director of the University of Cambridge’s BHF Centre of Research Excellence, and his team are trying to discover new treatments for pulmonary hypertension (PH). The condition can cause breathlessness, fainting and can lead to death from heart failure within a few years.

Professor Morrell’s team are investigating why the blood vessels in the lungs narrow in PH, and how this narrowing could be prevented or reversed. His work will help us to understand the different forms of PH and how we can treat them.

BHF Professor Morrell, from the BHF Centre of Research Excellence at the University of Cambridge said:  “In the UK, there are far too many people dying prematurely from cardiovascular disease, devastating the lives of thousands of families. But we’re fighting back through our research.

“By understanding what causes pulmonary hypertension, we could start on the road to developing treatments that prevent people developing heart failure.

“We’re committed to making the discoveries that could lead towards a future where fewer people die from cardiovascular conditions.”

Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive of the BHF, said:  "We’ve made huge progress in the fight against cardiovascular disease, with 70 per cent of heart attack victims now surviving to go home to their families. But these figures are a stark reminder that far too many people in the UK are dying early from cardiovascular disease. There is still so much more we need to do.

“With the help of our supporters, we’ll increase investment and accelerate our world-class research that could save the lives of more people that die prematurely. We remain determined to win the fight against cardiovascular disease, improving the lives of the seven million people that live with it and saving those that currently die too young.”

By increasing investment in research, the BHF’s strategy offers a new focus on reducing the time it takes to turn research discoveries into life-saving medical treatments. For the first time the BHF will fund a dedicated translational research awards scheme totalling at least £5 million over five years, which will explicitly bridge the gap between a scientist’s initial findings and the treatments that will change and extend the lives of heart patients.

There is also a firm commitment to reduce the levels of inequality when it comes to cardiovascular disease deaths to make sure that people have the best chance to live a life free of fear of dying from CVD, regardless of where they live.

To find out more about the strategy or to make a donation to support our life-saving research go to bhf.org.uk/strategy.

References

1. Number of deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease, annual average based on 2010-12 data, mortality figures from the national statistical agencies, prepared for the BHF by CPNP at Oxford University

2. BHF estimate based on GP registers for long term cardiovascular conditions; QOF GP data published by HSCIC England

3. Latest mortality statistics from the Office for National Statistics

4. Trends in coronary heart disease, 1961-2011, compiled for the BHF by CPNP Oxford University; updates from the national statistical agencies

5. Smolina's research on myocardial infarction survival in Coronary heart disease statistics 2012, compiled for the BHF by CPNP Oxford University

About the British Heart Foundation

For over 50 years we’ve pioneered research that’s transformed the lives of people living with heart and circulatory conditions. Our work has been central to the discoveries of vital treatments that are changing the fight against heart disease. But so many people still need our help. From babies born with life-threatening heart problems to the many Mums, Dads and Grandparents who survive a heart attack and endure the daily battles of heart failure. Every pound raised, minute of your time and donation to our shops will help make a difference to people’s lives.

For more information, visit bhf.org.uk

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For more information please call the BHF press office on 020 7554 0164 or 07764 290381 (out of hours) or email [email protected]
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