September 10, 2004

MGHers support heart research
by walking the walk

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for Americans — often times the only warning sign is an actual heart attack. Fortunately, a great deal of cardiovascular research is investigating the causes and prevention of heart disease. Much of this research takes place at the MGH with support from the American Heart Association (AHA).

As a beneficiary of grants and awards from the AHA, the MGH often participates in the organization's fundraising activities — particularly the Boston Heart Walk. This year, the hospital has selected the Heart Walk as the hospital's second official charity.
MGH research efforts receive more than $3 million each year from the AHA with grants awarded to support a broad range of research in the Cardiology Division, as well as such departments as Neurology, Radiology and Dermatology. The studies range from basic science to clinical research to the development of actual treatments and procedures that may benefit MGH patients.

In the Cardiology Division, one particular area of research that has benefited from AHA funding has identified a genetic basis for mitral valve prolapse, a condition in which the flaps of the mitral valve do not close properly, disrupting blood flow through the heart. "Finding the genetic basis for this condition could link the disease to a spot in the human genome. That could eventually lead us to treat and possibly prevent this condition that can cause heart failure," says Robert Levine, MD, of MGH Cardiology.

Levine explains that this AHA-funded research also has created an excellent
collaboration with clinicians in the Cardiac Echo Laboratory to help identify families with early stages of prolapse, who might benefit from efforts to prevent the progression of the disease. "Our researchers have learned a lot by using ultrasound to study the valves of patients who have early forms of the disease. Our hope is to develop preventative tools based on this research to eventually stop this condition from progressing," he says.

By participating in the Boston Heart Walk, the MGH hopes to continue the AHA's mission to raise both awareness of cardiovascular diseases and much-needed funds to support important medical research into these disorders. The MGH team's fundraising goal for this year is $100,000. To help reach this goal, the hospital is offering two tickets to a New England Patriots home game to any MGH employee who raises $1,000 or more. Those who raise $500 or more will be entered into a drawing to win two Patriots game tickets.

The Boston Heart Walk will be held Sept. 18, starting at 10 am at Lederman Field, across Storrow Drive near the Hatch Shell. After a complimentary breakfast, walkers will have the choice of three different routes along the Esplanade — either a 1-, 3-, or 6-mile walk.

For any MGHer who would like to support this event but would rather not participate in the walk, contributions are welcomed as well. For more information about how to join the MGH team or how to make a donation, contact Julie Brenman at (617) 726-8295 or Susan Towler at (617) 726-4939.

Above, Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of the MGH, speaks at the MGH Heart Walk luncheon.