University of Manchester scientists are looking into Oldham runner’s heart condition thanks to new funding from the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
The funding is announced as part of the BHF’s new research strategy. The BHF has committed to spending over half a billion pounds on research in the next five years but the charity is completely reliant on public donations so this funding will only be possible with continued support.
Steve Watts, a long distance runner from Oldham, was diagnosed with bradycardia. Bradycardia is a condition in which the heart beats more slowly than it should. It is particularly dangerous as, during a severe episode, a person’s heart can stop beating.
Following his diagnosis Steve was fitted with a pacemaker, which is a small device placed into the chest to help maintain a normal heart rhythm.
Steve’s younger brother Peter suffered from coronary heart disease, a condition where the arteries which supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood are narrowed due to a build-up of plaque on the vessel walls, called atheroma. To improve the blood supply to the heart, Peter had a stent inserted. A stent is a small metal cage which is placed into the narrow artery to keep it open and blood flowing.
Despite Steve and Peter’s successful heart disease treatments, they sadly lost their elder brother Bobby to a heart attack in 2004. A heart attack occurs when the heart is starved of oxygen, which can cause heart cells to die.
Over the next five years, half a billion pounds pledged nationally by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), as part of their new research strategy, will be used to fund the best researchers working across all areas of cardiovascular disease research to help families like Steve’s.
To help gain a deeper understanding of Steve’s condition, the BHF has granted over £170,000 to a team of researchers at the University of Manchester. In this study, the research team will look at the different proteins expressed by mouse hearts, in order to understand more fully why bradycardia occurs and why these abnormalities are more common in certain people.
Professor Boyett, Professor of Cardiac Electrophysiology at the University of Manchester, said:
“There has been a huge increase in the number of people taking part in ultra-endurance events such as marathons. This study will look at the link between competitive events and suffering from heart rhythm disorders.”Currently, the BHF funds over £16 million of cardiovascular research at the University of Manchester. However, this commitment to fund life-saving research will only be possible with the continued generosity of the people of Manchester, the North West and the wider UK.
Thanks to research into his condition and treatments, Steve now lives a full life and is able to take on the Everest Marathon in May 2016.
Steve was on his way to the Everest basecamp with his brother Peter, on the day an avalanche took the lives of 16 Sherpa people in 2014. This tragedy inspired Steve to take part in the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon next year, which is recognised as the highest and toughest marathon in the world.
Steve said: “Three years ago I was diagnosed with a condition which means that my heart beats slower than normal. My heart’s natural pacemaker wasn’t quite working as it should, so I was fitted with a pacemaker which kicks in whenever my heart rate goes below 40 beats per minute.
“I haven’t let my heart condition slow me down at all! If I make it I’ll be the first person with a pacemaker to take on the Everest Marathon.”
All proceeds raised by Steve’s efforts will be shared between the BHF and the Himalayan Trust UK.
Professor Jeremy Pearson, Associate Medical Director of the British Heart Foundation, said:
“The research being undertaken by Professor Boyett and his team at the University of Manchester will help us understand heart rhythm disturbances.
“Cardiovascular disease causes more than a quarter of deaths in the UK, around 155,000 deaths per year. It’s only by funding more research like this that we’ll see the burden of this disease decrease.”
“We’re only able to fund research like this in Manchester to improve and save lives because of the generosity of people who donate and fundraise in the area and around the country. Your continued support will help us deliver on our plans for research over the next five years.”
