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Heart Health Research
The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) supports research into canine heart health, focusing on heart development, structural disease, arrhythmias, diagnostics, therapeutics, surgery, and enabling technologies.
Why We Focus on Heart Health
Heart diseases such as structural abnormalities, arrhythmias, and developmental issues are major health concerns for dogs, significantly affecting their quality of life. These conditions, which include heart murmurs, congenital defects, and irregular heart rhythms, can lead to heart failure, reduced exercise tolerance, and in severe cases, early death. While veterinary medicine has made progress, many dogs still face challenges due to the lack of effective treatments and early diagnostic tools. By studying the mechanisms behind these heart conditions, we can develop better diagnostic methods and treatment options that lead to longer, healthier lives for affected dogs. Additionally, breakthroughs in heart health research have the potential to benefit human medicine, as many cardiovascular issues in dogs mirror those in humans.
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Canine Health
With over $3.8 million invested in canine heart health research, your support helps fund vital research that aims to improve outcomes for dogs with cardiovascular diseases.