WHAT BHF DO

British Heart Foundation, A beacon of Hope

For over sixty years the British Heart Foundation has led the way not only in the UK but also globally in the fight against heart and circulatory diseases. I doubt if anybody alive in Great Britain today has not had a direct or indirect encounter with this foremost charity. Whether through their locally organised fundraising events, sponsorship of research fellows or television campaigns, the BHF has led the fight against the UK’s single biggest killer.

The Vital Statistics

Shockingly heart and circulatory diseases cause over a quarter of all deaths in the UK. This equates to over 170,000 people each year or on average 450 people every single day. By comparison, cancer kills about 160,000 people every year, with COVID-19 killing around 150,000 since it arrived in the UK early in 2020.

Why is Heart Disease So Common?

Heart disease is a collective term for several specific conditions that include blood clots, blocked arteries and heart attacks. Heart disease is effectively the leading cause of death in the UK for people aged 35 and above, while congenital heart disease is the leading cause of death for babies under one. There are many risk factors that can contribute to heart disease including diet, lack of exercise, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Some risk factors are unpreventable and include a family history of the disease, age and sex.

The BHF to the Rescue

The BHF through its vast network of dedicated scientists and medical practitioners has invested heavily in medical research since its formation in 1952. This has led to major improvements in diagnosis and, particularly, treatment. Procedures such as angiograms, stents, clot-busting drugs and open-heart surgery are now commonplace, whereas in the early 60s the outlook for heart disease sufferers was pretty bleak.

Proud Achievements

The efficacy of the BHF investment in research can be seen in a number of proud achievements.

• In the 1970s BHF-funded research revealed that the link between genetics, cholesterol and heart disease was far stronger than previously thought.


• The BHF invested heavily in developing a heart defibrillator, the first of which was fitted in the mid-1980s.


• In the mid-1990s BHF research was instrumental in the development of statins, drugs that reduce the build-up of cholesterol in the arteries.


• The current research is focused on the potential of gene therapy and stem cells to repair damaged hearts.

Funding and Awareness-Raising

The BHF receives its funding from a variety of sources, including charitable donations, corporate sponsorship, government grants and legacies. The charity is committed to raising awareness of heart and circulatory diseases and to encouraging people to make healthy lifestyle choices. The BHF has a network of over 500 shops across the UK and also runs a number of high-profile events, including the annual London Marathon.

Conclusion: A Vital Component in the Nation’s Health

The BHF is a shining example of how charitable donations can be effectively used to improve the nation’s health. Its extensive research over the past sixty years has led to significant improvements in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of heart and circulatory diseases. The charity’s work is tireless, and its dedication to saving lives is unwavering. It richly deserves the support of anyone who wants to make a positive difference to the lives of everyone in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does the BHF spend on research?

In 2021, the BHF spent approximately £100 million on research.

1. How many people does the BHF employ?

The BHF employs over 1,000 people, including scientists, researchers, nurses, and fundraisers.

1. How much does the BHF receive in donations each year?

The BHF receives approximately £150 million in donations each year from individuals, companies, and trusts.

1. How many shops does the BHF have?

The BHF has over 500 shops across the UK.

1. What is the BHF’s mission statement?

The BHF’s mission statement is to “champion people with heart and circulatory diseases and ensure that their needs are met; support research to develop new treatments and cures for heart and circulatory diseases; and promote public awareness of heart and circulatory diseases and the importance of healthy lifestyles”.