Heart failure findings among NHLBI-supported global health research highlighted in journal

WHAT: A study that found ischemic heart failure is more common in Kenya than experts had expected is among a number of new, National Institutes of Health-supported global health study findings highlighted in the March edition of the Global Heart journal. This edition of the journal is dedicated to NIH-supported research aimed at reducing cardiovascular and lung disease burden and also boosting research capacity in low- and middle-income nations.

The Kenyan research suggests that health care providers in sub-Saharan Africa should consider a wide range of causes for the treatment and prevention of heart failure. The study represents one of a dozen studies supported by the NIH’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute through the Chronic Disease Initiative.  NHLBI partnered with UnitedHealth Group to create the NHLBI-UnitedHealth Global Health Centers of Excellence program to carry out research related to the initiative in Argentina. Bangladesh, China, Guatemala, India, Bangalore, Kenya, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, and Tunisia. The program paired research teams in developing nations with established researchers in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. A complete listing of participating research facilities can be found here.

Due to the heavy burden of non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income nations, NHLBI sought to support research that could help reduce global health disparities. Program organizers also aimed to encourage the next generation of researchers in low- and middle-income countries, which could lead to locally-driven research that is more responsive to the unique health challenges of each area.  All papers from the journal can be found here.

CONTACT: For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact the NHLBI Office of Science Policy, Engagement, Education, and Communications at 301-496-4236 or nhlbi_news@nhlbi.nih.gov (link sends e-mail).