Heart Association awards $1.7M for research

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - This year the American Heart Association gave more than $1.7 million to local universities to aid in the research of heart disease and stroke.

The AHA has helped funding in breakthroughs like the first artificial heart valve, techniques and standards for CPR, implantable pacemakers and a number of other widely used procedures.

"Without the support of the AHA, this work could not be conducted and completed, and Hoosiers would miss out on life-saving breakthroughs. I am grateful to the AHA for their continued support," said Professor James Tisdale from Purdue University.

More than 15 new studies have been conducted in Indiana this year. The AHA funded Purdue University with $811,000 for four studies, Indiana University with $748,476 for 10 studies and Notre Dame with $195,000 for two studies.

The AHA has awarded more than $3.3 billion to research since 1949, putting it second to the federal government in cardiovascular and stroke research funding.