
A UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO RESEARCH CENTRE
Cardiovascular disease causes 30% of all early deaths in New Zealand
The Christchurch Heart Institute is working to reduce this through:
- Research into improved diagnosis
- Better prediction
- Advanced treatments for heart disease performed in Canterbury
- Engagement with Māori who are particularly vulnerable to cardiovascular disease
The Christchurch Heart Institute employs 35–40 experts in cardiology, genetics, biochemistry and physiology.
It is the only integrated 'bench to bedside to community' cardiovascular research group in New Zealand. Our research focuses on:
- Discovering and implementing new blood tests for heart disease diagnosis and treatment
- Developing new methods for treating heart failure and improving outcomes
- Understanding the genetics of heart disease to help explain why heart disease runs in families
Our research is supported through:
- Research grants
- A Programme Grant from the Health Research Council of New Zealand
- Project Grants from the Heart Foundation and Lotteries Health
Research recruitment
Take part in current research studies:
- Heart Health in Diabetes
- Covid-19 antibodies
- new CT scans for suspected heart attack
Check out our current projects
Latest news


COVID-19 antibodies and heart health, focus of new study
Thursday 12 August 2021 9:05am
Raising awareness of Māori heart health
Thursday 8 July 2021 8:40am