In the United States, someone has a heart attack every 43 seconds. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, making it arguably the number one health problem in the U.S. About 610,000 Americans die from heart disease each year, which is about 1 in every 4 deaths. Although progress has been made over the years in diagnosis and prevention of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, coronary artery disease and heart failure, it’s clear more can be done.

Cardiac research is key for developing new medicines and treatments for heart disease. The MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Memorial (MHVI) is one of California’s most comprehensive centers for cardiovascular disease and has pioneered innovative heart research. This includes treadmill stress testing, medication advancements that have minimized damage caused by heart attacks and heart pacemakers that are now used all over the world. Cardiac research studies are performed not only for heart health today, but for the heart health of generations to come.

“Research gives patients a chance to volunteer to make medicine better, which is a remarkable opportunity,” says Gregory S. Thomas, M.D., MPH, medical director, MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute, Long Beach Memorial. “We let our patients know that they are a part of something that is special. They’re making history.”

Through cardiac research, many of the newest and best treatment opportunities and technologies are made available for patients. By participating in research studies, patients are able to play an active role in their personal health and build a relationship with doctors and care teams other than their primary care physicians. There currently are more than 20 clinical trials being conducted at the MHVI including those for patients who have chest pain, coronary artery disease and high cholesterol. Studies are also available for patients with pacemakers, stents or who have undergone cardiac bypass surgery.

“If there wasn’t research, we wouldn’t be able to offer the latest treatments and find new treatments for the future,” says Jennifer Yanovski, BS, CRC, research manager, MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute, Long Beach Memorial. “We like to say – tomorrow’s medicines today.”

For more information about cardiac research at the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Memorial, contact Jennifer at (562) 933-8759.