University of Leicester Researcher receives over £40,000 for Pioneering Research Project
Issued by University of Leicester Press Office on 23 August 2011
John Wild a researcher at the University of Leicester has received a Research Training Fellowship of £49,947 from national heart charity, Heart Research UK, to investigate a potentially life threatening condition called abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
AAA is a progressive ballooning of part of the aorta, the largest artery in the body that extends from the heart to the abdomen. This ballooning can cause the artery to rupture and result in internal bleeding which in some cases can be fatal.
The reasons why some people develop aneurysms are still unclear, but it’s thought our genetic make-up plays a part. Mr Wild, 30, is taking time out from practicing medicine to investigate the differences between the genes of people who suffer from AAA and those who don’t. This research will help to pin-point the genes that are linked to the development of aneurysms.
Mr Wild, says: “The project I am undertaking is perfect for someone with my background in surgery as well as genetics. AAA is a significant cause of cardiovascular death in this country and I felt an investigation into its causes would help in treating and identifying those at risk of the condition so they may be given treatment as early as possible.”
Barbara Harpham, National Director at Heart Research UK, says: “We are delighted to be funding this new and innovative research project. In terms of the benefits to patients, this project will shed light on the cause of this condition and may help us better to understand how our genes make us more susceptible to AAA.”
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For further information contact Madeline Arnold on 0113 297 6205
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Heart Research UK
Heart Research UK is a visionary charity founded in 1967 by Mr David Watson, a working heart surgeon, who realised that patients were dying unnecessarily because of the lack of research into heart disease, especially surgical techniques. Having funded six of the first eight successful UK heart transplants the charity leads the way funding ground breaking, medical research projects into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease. There is a strong emphasis on supporting clinical and surgical projects and young researchers on their first steps into research. The charity currently funds over £4.1m of research projects at 32 hospitals and universities across the UK, funding over £860,000 last year alone. In addition, over £1m has been awarded, over the last 10 years, to community-based lifestyle projects that aim to prevent or reduce the risks of heart disease.
Madeline Arnold PR Officer - Heart Research UK
Direct Line 0113 297 6205
Switchboard: 0113 234 7474
