Annual UK Cardiovascular Research Day helps bring science to life

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - The University of Kentucky held its 26th annual Cardiovascular Research Day on Friday.

The science presented at the event is what health leaders say is pivotal in getting closer to making the next big discovery.

According to Dr. Vincent Sorrell, the chief of cardiology at UK Cardiovascular Medicine, more than 600,000 people die every year of cardiovascular disease in the U.S.

In Kentucky, more than 10,000 people die every year and 30 every day. Heart disease is also the number one killer in women.

UK leaders say this day makes it easy to disseminate all of the information these scientists are working on so it can make an impact.

American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown says they've funded this research for decades. In fact, since 1949, AHA has provided more than $41 million through 469 research grants to UK; 15 of them are still active.

Brown says this research is used in ways like creating legislation for clean indoor air and in hospital settings.

"We help assure that patients in hospitals are receiving guideline based care. That is a way to take the science that knows what are the best things that should happen for patients who have a stroke or atrial fibrillation or a heart attack? What should happen in the hospital? What medications should they be discharged on? That is a way we bring science to life," said Brown.

Brown says it's also important for people to take the proper steps to keep their cardiovascular health up to par.

This includes getting enough exercise, eating healthy, getting sleep and not smoking. She also encourages people to learn CPR.