Researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center have
received a $40,000 grant to continue research to identify factors that
put people at risk for cardiovascular illnesses and determine how these
risks can be lowered or eliminated. The trustees of the Shrike-Hlavac Memorial
Trust directed the gift to the University of Nebraska Foundation to fund
cardiovascular research at UNMC. The late Maxwell Shrike established the
trust, which is managed by Cornerstone Bank of York, Neb., to support research
on heart disease, cancer, leukemia and other similar diseases.
“This gift will be used specifically to fund investigations into the
mechanisms of abnormal control of the circulation in heart failure,” said
Irving Zucker, Ph.D., professor and chairman of the department of physiology
and biophysics and director of the Cardiovascular Research Center at UNMC.
“Four to five ongoing projects will be continued through this gift.”
“While we have seen a decline in deaths due to cardiovascular
illnesses in the past decade, the fact remains that heart disease and related
health concerns kill more Nebraskans than all other causes combined,” said
Dr. Zucker. “Through technology and education we can work to reduce these
numbers, but we have a tremendous job to do.”
UNMC’s outstanding reputation in cardiac care is reflected in the types
of procedures performed, as well as the number of patients treated. Nearly
8,000 patients visit UNMC each year for cardiac care. Because of
this, the number of open heart procedures performed annually has increased
by 50 percent and coronary angioplasties have increased to an average of
200 per year. Cardiac catheterizations have quadrupled to 800.
“This gift will assist UNMC in remaining on the cutting edge of research,”
said UNMC Chancellor William Berndt, Ph.D. “That research will allow
us to develop better educational programs related to heart disease.”
The University of Nebraska Foundation is a non-profit corporation
supplementing support for students, faculty, facilities and programs at
the University of Nebraskas four campuses through gifts from alumni, friends,
corporations and other foundations.
UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the
state. Through its commitment to research, education and patient care,
UNMC has established itself as one of the countrys leading centers for
cancer research and treatment and solid organ transplantation. More than
$27 million in research grants and contracts are awarded to UNMC scientists
annually. In addition, UNMC’s educational programs are responsible for
training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other
institution.