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We were founded in 1967 by a working heart surgeon, Mr David Watson, who is now our President.  When we asked him why he set up this pioneering charity, he simply said that he knew, even all those years ago, that the knowledge and expertise was out there to help more heart patients, but research was needed to make it affordable and practical.

More personally, he was tired of telling heart patients that there was little he could do to help them. He wanted to do more.

Medical milestones

In 2007 we celebrated our 40th anniversary and over the last four decades we have funded many pioneering projects at the cutting edge of science. We paid for the first UK heart transplants, carried out by Sir Terence English at Papworth Hospital.  Many things that we now take for granted, such as heart valves, angioplasty and more recently, amazing artificial heart pumps, would not have been developed when they were, without our help. 

What we would prefer, is for there to be no heart problems in the first place so we also give grants for community based projects that encourage people to make the right lifestyle choices for a healthier heart.

Britain's biggest killer

Heart disease has touched most of us in some way. It can strike anyone. Some are born with it, others only find out when it is too late. In fact, 700 people in the UK suffer a heart attack every day - that’s one every two minutes.

A vision for the future

However, thanks to improved treatment and techniques funded by Heart Research UK, more people are surviving. Currently around 2.7 million people live with heart disease every day, but the fact is, they are living longer healthier lives.

Have a browse to find out more about our pioneering projects, how you can keep your heart healthy, information on applying for a grant and ways you can help us continue our work.