In 1961, the British Heart Foundation was formed by a
group of doctors who were convinced that research is the only
way to find the causes of heart diseases and thereby, not only
to reduce the number of premature deaths, but also to improve
the quality of life for those who suffer from heart problems.
Thanks to research, great strides have been made in the
methods of diagnosis and treatment since those early days and
operations and forms of treatment considered totally
impracticable thirty years ago are now common practice. As a
result, many thousands of people who otherwise would have
died or had to live as invalids can now enjoy active, healthy
lives. The incidence of death from congenital heart disease,
high blood pressure, stroke and rheumatic heart disease has
greatly declined.
However, in spite of the progress, heart disease remains
the biggest single cause of death in the UK today. Countless
questions remain to be answered; for example, the basic cause
of coronary heart attack the biggest killer of all – is still not
fully understood. It is only through continued research such
as that funded by the BHF that these questions will be
resolved.
The Foundation therefore continues to support as many
appropriate research projects as possible, informs doctors
throughout the country of advances in the field, and the public
of proven risk factors related to heart disease. The BHF also
strives to improve the facilities for cardiac care by providing
life-saving equipment to hospitals and medical centres where
no other source is available.
The Foundation is supported entirely by voluntary
donations and receives no government aid.