Why is heart research important?

In the UK, 47,000 people die prematurely from heart and circulatory diseases every year and the cost to the UK economy including premature deaths is estimated to be £19billion every year.

There are 89,000 people currently living with heart and circulatory diseases in the Tees Valley and so it is very clear there is vast scope for improving outcomes for patients.

Heart research is essential for making the necessary improvements by advancing procedures, medicines and therapies for future generations to come.

But we can’t do this alone. The ACU need patients to take part in trials, so that life changing research can take place. There are many different ways you can get involved in research.

Watch this short video from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to find out more.

Patient experience

Keith and Peter have both taken part in heart research. Listen to the videos below to hear about their experiences and how research really does make a difference.

Keith’s story

Former karate instructor Keith kindly volunteered to take part in a clinical trial for heart research. These trials really help, and we want to do more.

Here, Keith talks to Dr Adrian Davies Chair of South Cleveland Heart Fund about it.

Peter’s story

Peter, from Darlington, has had a heart condition for years. He recently took part in a clinical trial at James Cook to help heart research.

The new Academic Heart Unit at James Cook will focus on research which prevents heart attacks, develops exercise programmes in patients with heart problems and makes better use of data and digital technology in research.

Frequently asked questions

Please visit our cardiothoracic research page to view our FAQs.

The National Institute for Health Research also has lots of useful information about taking part in research, including the research process, your safety throughout the process, informed consent, the practicalities of taking part and much more.