Why Support MHIF?

We are advancing the standard of care…

· Research has shown that patients with certain types of heart attacks are much more likely to recover fully if treated with standardized treatment protocols including coronary angioplasty within 90 minutes. Unfortunately, the technology necessary is often not available in rural hospitals putting patients outside metro areas at a greater risk. The Level One Program developed at MHIF has standardized the patient care and transfer process so that patients within 120 miles of Abbott Northwestern Hospital have the same survival rate as those who present in the Twin Cities. This treatment protocol has been adopted by over 100 hospitals nationwide.

· Stress cardiomyopathy, more commonly known as “Broken Heart Syndrome”, is a newly recognized acute heart condition triggered by a sudden stressful event which most often affects middle-aged and older women. The symptoms of stress cardiomyopathy mimic that of a heart attack. MHIF is a leader in diagnosis and treatment of Broken Heart Syndrome with the largest number of patients treated worldwide.

· MHIF has developed a protocol standardizing diagnosis and treatment of acute aortic dissection, or a tear in the wall of the aorta reducing mortality by almost 50%. Aortic dissection is a dangerous condition with a traditional mortality rate of almost 30% that often goes unrecognized by clinicians due to varied symptoms that mimic those of a heart attack.

Click here to view the Spirit of the Heart Gala 2009 video and learn how MHIF is making a difference in heart disease.

Click here to read how the Genetic Arrhythmia Center is giving Lisa new hope or click here to watch a short video on GAC.

We are discovering innovative new therapies…

· No one wants to be told they are a “no-options” patient, especially if they are experiencing chronic chest pain or severe shortness of breath. For these patients, MHIF has created the OPTIMIST program using innovative techniques including using a patient’s own stem cells to grow new blood vessels and heart tissue, which can greatly increase heart function and quality of life. For the Foundation’s work in this area, MHIF has been designated by the National Institutes of Health as one of five Centers of Excellence nationwide for adult cardiovascular stem cell research.

· Brain or neurological damage can occur just 4-6 minutes after the heart stops pumping blood during cardiac arrest. Research has shown that quickly cooling the body’s temperature through therapeutic hypothermia can help reduce this risk. MHIF researchers have developed the COOL IT protocol which ensures that this therapy happens immediately when a patient presents with cardiac arrest greatly reducing the risk for neurological damage.

Click here to read how innovative therapies developed at MHIF helped save Sarah’s and Mike’s lives.

We are reducing risk and preventing cardiovascular disease…

· Eliminating heart attacks from an entire community is a lofty goal, but this is just the mission of the Heart of New Ulm project, a collaboration between MHIF, the New Ulm Medical Center, and the Allina Center for Healthcare Innovation. Combining prevention, early treatment, and community building efforts, the Heart of New Ulm project serves as a living laboratory with the ultimate goal of creating a community without heart disease. Click here to learn more about the Heart of New Ulm project.

· Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. More women die each year from heart disease than stroke, lung cancer, COPD, and breast cancer combined. MHIF, in collaboration with the Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, is taking a multi-pronged approach to improving women’s heart health through clinical care, education, prevention and exciting new research studies. Led by physicians who are passionate about women’s heart health, the Women’s Heart Health Program spotlights the specific cardiovascular needs of women.

Click here to read how the Women’s Support Group at MHIF helped Kim cope with the aftermath of her heart attack.

We are teaching the community to live healthier…

· Healthy behaviors must start at an early age, which is why MHIF developed Girls and Moms on the Move, a program designed to encourage physical activity, healthy eating and lifestyle choices, self-esteem, and strong family relationships for girls aged 8-12 and their mothers. The program currently serves over 75 pre-teen girls and their moms across Minnesota and Iowa and fills a void that has been left by the lack of physical education in schools.

· Research shows that modifying certain behaviors can significantly reduce the risk of developing heart disease. MHIF reaches out to diverse audiences with the goal of increasing personal awareness of risk factors and providing the tools necessary to assist individuals in their pursuit of heart-healthy lifestyles. To this end, MHIF provides educational programming and health screenings at work and community sites. Educational topics include stress management, healthy cooking demonstrations, heart attack prevention, and much more.

Click here to learn how MHIF’s educational programming helped Shelly and her family become more physically active.

We are using your money wisely…

· MHIF meets the Charities Review Council’s standards for transparency and accountability. With only nine cents on each dollar used for fundraising, you can be assured that your gift will be used to directly support the important work outlined above.

But most importantly, our work may save your life…