Saving lives through heart health research

U of A researchers examined rehabilitation intensity and recovery outcomes in stroke patients to see how effective a “whole-day” approach could be in improving outcomes and quality of life.
(Photo: Getty Images)

Heart health-related research changes and saves lives. 

According to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, heart disease, stroke and related conditions take one life every five minutes in Canada. While nine in 10 Canadians have at least one risk factor for these diseases, the results are not a foregone conclusion.

As a global leader in heart health research, the University of Alberta is home to researchers whose work saves lives and improves quality of life for those affected by heart health issues as well as their caregivers. From pediatric patients to the families of cardiac arrest survivors, we strive to build a healthier future for all, through bold research interventions that combat the most critical heart health challenges.

The generous support of the following donors and partner institutions brings the spark of life to leading heart health research, moving from ideas to reality: 

Research made possible 

The University of Alberta had a busy year in heart health-related research. Catch up on what you may have missed in 2024: 

Virtual technology makes in-home care possible for young heart patients
Pediatric cardiology patients and their families who live in remote locations will be able to spend more time at home, thanks to alternative methods of care being developed by the U of A’s Cardiovascular Research Institute. 

Cardiac-resynchronization defibrillators still saving lives after 14 years
Recently published research in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals the power of cardiac-resynchronization pacing in addition to an implantable defibrillator to save lives in patients with mild to moderate heart failure due to arrhythmia.

$5 million donated to augment cardiovascular research at the U of A
New research chair funded by the Canadian Vigour Centre’s Cardiovascular Health Foundation will help drive advancements in research and improve health outcomes for patients.

Pregnancy complications can lead to mothers’ lifelong risk of cardiovascular disease
Pregnant women who develop a common complication called pre-eclampsia are twice as likely to develop heart problems later in life. Now Amanda de Oliveira, a U of A postdoctoral fellow, is working to understand why and to develop prevention strategies. 

New U of A study shows heart-brain connection in KBG syndrome
A groundbreaking study by Anastassia Voronova and her team provides clarity on the heart-brain connection in KBG syndrome, a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder. The promising research has already changed clinical guidelines for patients.

Sitting less, moving more helps stroke patients recover mobility
Spending more time walking each day may lead to improvements in both functional mobility and gait speed after stroke, research shows. 

Families of cardiac arrest patients need care too
Samina Ali, a physician and professor of pediatrics, served as a survivor family adviser for a U of A-led study on the care needs of families of cardiac arrest patients. The study proposes new clinical practice guidelines. 

U of A projects receive more than $12M from CIHR
Sandy Davidge, Padma Kaul, Gavin Oudit, Gary Lopaschuk and Richard Thompson received fully-funded project grants to pursue promising cardiovascular research. 

Weight-loss drug found to shrink heart muscle in mice, human cells
Trendy weight-loss drugs making headlines for shrinking waistlines may also be shrinking the human heart and other muscles, according to a new U of A study whose authors say should serve as a “cautionary tale” about possible long-term health effects of these drugs. 

Celebrating the winners of the Personnel Award for Black Scholars
Inaugural awards from CIHR, Heart & Stroke and Brain Canada will fund research by Ibrahim Khodabocus on neonatal sepsis and Jeremies Ibanga’s work on the role of gangliosides in brain disorders.