Breakthroughs in Heart Health: British Heart Foundation Awards £800,000 for Transformative Projects

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has allocated over £800,000 to support five pioneering research projects across the UK. As part of the BHF’s Healthcare Innovation Awards, these projects aim to revolutionise healthcare delivery for heart patients through innovative solutions and cutting-edge technology.

Advancing Healthcare Services for Heart Patients

The BHF’s Healthcare Innovation Fund is dedicated to fostering visionary research that transforms current healthcare services for individuals with heart conditions. By focusing on innovative approaches, the BHF ensures that patients receive the highest quality care available.

From Artificial Intelligence (AI) stethoscopes to providing digital mental health services for remote patients, the newly funded projects each received between £100,000 and £300,000. These initiatives are set to make significant strides in enhancing heart disease diagnosis, treatment, and patient support.

Transformative Projects Funded by BHF

AI-Enabled Stethoscopes: Led by Professor Nicholas Peters at Imperial College London, this project will test the efficacy of AI-powered digital stethoscopes in diagnosing commonly underdiagnosed heart conditions such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation (AF), and valvular heart disease. This project aims to integrate AI technology within primary and secondary care to save lives and set a precedent for future technological healthcare solutions.

Atrial Fibrillation Detection: Dr Chris Wilkinson and his team at Hull York Medical School are developing technology to connect ambulance ECG records with GP systems. This innovation will help identify patients with abnormal ECG readings who may have undiagnosed AF, a condition that increases the risk of stroke.

Accelerated Heart Failure Treatment: At Leicester University Hospital, Mrs Louise Clayton is examining the effectiveness of the '4x4 method,' which involves administering higher doses of medication early and providing intensive support through healthcare professional visits. This approach aims to speed up treatment for patients with Heart Failure with reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF).

Mental Health Support for ICD Patients: Dr John Sharp at Golden Jubilee University National Hospital is exploring the use of computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) to deliver psychological support to patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Given that up to 40% of ICD patients experience psychological distress, this project will leverage digital solutions to improve mental health care access across the UK.

Exercise Programme for ACHD Patients: Dr Helen Wallis at the University Hospital of Wales is implementing a 12-week exercise programme tailored for adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). The programme includes personalised support from physiotherapists, psychologists, and nurses to help patients overcome exercise barriers and maintain their physical health.

Future Funding Opportunities

Applications for the next round of Healthcare Innovation Funding Awards are open until June 2024, with an additional round beginning in September 2024. Further details on application processes can be found on the BHF website.

A Commitment to Heart Health

The British Heart Foundation’s mission is to fund groundbreaking research and develop innovative solutions that bring us closer to a world free from the fear of heart and circulatory diseases. Through public donations, the BHF continues to drive life-saving research, supporting millions of people affected by heart conditions. For more information, visit bhf.org.uk.

Quotes from BHF Leadership

Professor Bryan Williams, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at the British Heart Foundation, highlighted the importance of these awards, stating:

“Improving early diagnosis of hard-to-spot conditions or providing personalised treatment to support patients, our Healthcare Innovation Funding awards are crucial in our mission to drive transformative improvements in the care that heart patients receive.

"We are delighted to fund five innovative projects in the first round and look forward to seeing their progress. It is only through the generosity of our supporters that we can continue to fund life-changing research, helping people live well with heart disease.”

Summary

The BHF’s recent funding initiative underscores its commitment to advancing heart health through innovation. By supporting projects that integrate AI, enhance mental health support, and improve treatment protocols, the BHF aims to significantly improve the quality of care for heart patients across the UK. These efforts exemplify how targeted funding can lead to transformative changes in healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.