Research in heart conditions is extremely important because these diseases have major impact on people’s health all around the world. Our research in this area is significant because it helps us learn more about healthcare, find new ways to treat heart problems, and make better plans to prevent them. All of this work ultimately leads to better results for patients. The Centre for Cardiovascular Health is focused on education and research to lessen the burden (impact) of heart conditions on people's health worldwide.

Explore research activities in the Heart Conditions theme. Names shown indicate authors or co-authors involved from the Centre for Cardiovascular Health.

Structural Heart Disease

Members of the cardiovascular health research group have expertise diagnosing and treating diseases of the heart valves, myocardium and great vessels as well as congenital heart disease.  The research outputs from this groups includes innovations in transcatheter procedures, basic and translational science and imaging in structural heart disease and the evaluation of new medical devices and therapies. 

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) 

SCAD is a type of heart attack that mostly affects women under the age of 60. It is a potentially life-threatening condition that affects the coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for supplying blood to the heart muscle. In SCAD, a tear or separation occurs within the layers of the coronary artery walls, leading to the formation of a false channel or "dissection" through which blood can flow. Because SCAD is relatively rare and its underlying causes are not fully understood, ongoing research is vital to improve our understanding of the condition and develop effective treatments, and to support recovery.

Arrhythmia and Atrial Fibrillation  

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common abnormal heart rhythm that affects more than 2 million people in the UK. People who have AF are more likely to have a stroke and these strokes are more likely to be severely disabling than strokes of other causes. 

Internationally leading research at Edinburgh Napier University on the early detection and appropriate management of AF has had significant impact on the field of cardiovascular health at a national, European and global level. Our work has demonstrated the effect of new devices, which record heart rhythm and technology to detect AF and increase medication uptake to prevent strokes. The work has changed policy and clinical practice, been evidenced by parliamentary groups, led to new training and national initiatives and has been adopted within international guidelines, including the World Health Organization (WHO). 

  • Have a look at our Innovation Hub video on our pioneering initiatives to identify and manage irregular heart rhythms

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehab is a structured program that combines exercise, information, and support to help people recover from various heart conditions, like a heart attack or heart surgery. It is designed to assist individuals in returning to their normal daily activities, maintaining their health, and reducing the risk of another heart problem.

In the UK, after a heart event, individuals are invited to meet with a cardiac rehabilitation healthcare expert for a personalised assessment. Together, they create a plan to reduce lifestyle-related risks and set goals. These rehab programs can take place in hospitals, homes, community centres, or even online.

However, despite the proven benefits of cardiac rehab, not everyone attends or sticks with it. Our research aims to figure out why some people face challenges in participating, explore different ways to deliver these programs, and evaluate how well the services work.

  • Read more on cardiac rehab - Understanding cardiac rehabilitation delivery in Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons for the future