The British Heart Foundation (BHF) was launched in 1961 by a group of doctors determined to take action against the modern epidemic that was taking so many lives.
Then, over half of all deaths in the UK were from diseases of the heart and circulation - collectively called 'cardiovascular disease' – but little research was being done to understand it.
A proven track record
In the decades since, the BHF has become one of the largest and best known charities in the UK. We have built a track record of funding ground-breaking heart research that has transformed cardiac treatment and care.
Our work has helped to cut UK deaths from cardiovascular disease by more than half.
Our fight continues
Despite this amazing progress, the fight for every heartbeat is as urgent as ever.
Heart disease is still the single biggest killer of people in the UK and an estimated 7 million people face the daily battles of living with a cardiovascular condition. Fewer than one in 10 people survive if they have a cardiac arrest out of hospital. And, each day, 12 babies are diagnosed with a heart defect.
Winning the fight with research
We know that research holds the answer to the premature deaths and suffering caused by cardiovascular disease. Our strategy to 2020 set out how we’re driving the fight forward by expanding our research programme, accelerating discovery, and pushing for its translation into life saving advances.
Alongside research we drive programmes of work to keep the nation’s hearts healthy, train people in CPR skills, and give people living with cardiovascular disease the best care and support.
Join us and help us achieve our vision of a world in which people do not die prematurely or suffer from cardiovascular disease.
Read more about our work