The British Heart Foundation was founded in 1961 by a group of medical professionals, who were concerned about the increasing death rate from cardiovascular disease. They wanted to fund extra research into the causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of heart and circulatory disease.
It is a major funder and authority in cardiovascular research, education and care, and relies predominantly on voluntary donations to meet its aims. In order to increase income and maximise the impact of its work, it also works with other organisations to combat premature death and disability from cardiovascular disease.
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We are the nation's heart charity and the largest independent funder of cardiovascular research.
Coronary heart disease is the UK's single biggest killer but we are leading the fight against it. Our pioneering research has helped to transform the lives of people living with heart and circulatory conditions.
Our work has been central to the discoveries of vital treatments that are helping to change the face of the UK's fight against heart disease.
Our vision is a world where people don't die prematurely from heart disease.
Over the past months we have been reviewing our strategic approach with the help of staff, supporters and stakeholders.
Our new strategy will give us powerful focus in our fight for every heartbeat, and enable us to lead the fight against cardiovascular disease more effectively.
We'll continue the fight through our pioneering heart research, vital prevention and survivalactivity and ensuring quality care and support for everyone living with heart disease.
We were founded in 1961 by a group of medical professionals wanting to fund extra research into the causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of heart and circulatory disease.
After half a century of extraordinary scientific and societal progress we have helped to transform the landscape of heart disease.
We are governed by a board of Trustees who volunteer their time to help direct our work. They oversee our Directors who manage the staff across the whole charity. Everyone is dedicated to the fight to keep hearts beating.
Our famous 'heartbeat' logo was designed in 1971 by Sheila Harrison, one of our regional organisers at the time, who used it on posters and t-shirts for volunteers to publicise local events. It's still very much in use today and is now one of the most recognisable logos in the UK.
Our research is powered by your support. Every pound raised, every minute of your time and every donation to our shops will help make a massive difference to people’s lives.
