International Centre for Circulatory Health

The ICCH is a collaborative venture between personnel from the National Heart and Lung Institute division of Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. It includes experts in the fields of vascular biology, pharmacology, diabetes, cardiology and clinical investigation through to epidemiology and the design and implementation of treatment strategies which optimises patient management and improves outcomes.

Cardiac disease including coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke is currently the leading cause of death worldwide. However over the next 20 years the global burden of disease due to CHD and stroke is expected to increase dramatically as the world develops. This expected increase in disease burden is not inevitable given that the associated risk factors are largely identified.

A major focus of the ICCH is therefore to investigate the aetiology of cardiovascular disease and preventative strategies as they relate to different ethnic groups at various stages of the ecological transition.

The international status of the Centre is evident from the nature of the research programme and the strong collaborative links with other leading centres around the world. The educational programmes devised by the Centre represent another important contribution towards improving patient care.

In May 2004 the Centre moved into new premises in the Paddington Basin as part of the St Mary’s campus.

The activities of the Centre are strongly dependent on the generous support of national and international bodies, charitable trusts and industry. The Foundation for Circulatory Health is a registered charity, set up to facilitate and support the ICCH. New sponsors and supporters are invited to join the continuing expansion of this unique and powerful force in diminishing the global impact of cardiovascular disease and improving patient care.

More information about the ICCH (external website)