Treatment

We’re at the cutting edge of cardiovascular research. Day in, day out, our researchers are working to discover new ways to reduce the number of people dying from cardiovascular disease and to help those who are already suffering. With each new discovery comes the potential to improve or save a life.

I’m thankful that we got those extra 16 years with my dad, how different my life would have been to lose him at 6 instead of 24.

read Sharne's story

Did you know?

Cardiovascular disease accounts for 30% of deaths every year.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in New Zealand.¹

In 2012, 3145 women died of heart disease in New Zealand.

That's more than 8 women a day or about 60 each week.¹

We have three of the world’s leading cardiovascular researchers in senior roles at the HRI.

And 12 scientific groups each conducting research into a specific aspect of cardiovascular disease.

How our research is treating heart disease

The regenerative power of stem cells

While treatments for arterial blockages have previously been very limited, new stem cell research by our Cell Therapeutics Group is demonstrating that it’s actually possible for the body to grow new blood vessels. Not only that, these blood vessels can substantially increase blood flow.

Breakthrough in world's only stroke drug

Scientists in our Thrombosis Group has discovered a potential way to improve the world's only stroke drug, a breakthrough which may better protect stroke sufferers from brain injury.

Stent coating fools body into better acceptance

Scientists in our Immunobiology and Translational Research and Bioengineering Groups are working together to develop the world’s first stent coating technology using a biomimicry approach that fools the body so that it integrates with the foreign stent.