Generous gift sparks new clinical heart study
An unexpected phone call laid the foundation for a clinical study led by Professor Göran Bergström at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, and Senior Physician at Sahlgrenska University Hospital. The study introduces a new screening tool designed to detect early signs of heart vessel constriction—a concept sometimes referred to as “heart’s mammography.” At the same time, the donor also wished to support Professor Magnus Gisslén’s research in infections.
When the call connected, the woman on the line explained that she wanted to contribute to research on “heart’s mammography.” Initially, Professor Bergström was skeptical—a private individual donating money directly to his research was unusual. However, it soon became clear that her offer was genuine. She had read about the research and was eager to help its development.
“I first thought someone was joking, but she turned out to be very well-informed. She was direct and clear when she said that she believed the research was important and that she wanted to help,” explains Professor Bergström.
Foundation for a clinical trial
The term “heart’s mammography” was coined by Bergström in an interview with Göteborgs-Posten. It perfectly describes a study still in its planning phase—a clinical trial in which individuals in their upper middle age will be invited to complete a web-based questionnaire about their cardiovascular risk. Those identified as having a high likelihood of heart vessel constriction will then be called in for an X-ray examination, and if constrictions are detected, they will be offered treatment.
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and if constrictions are detected, they will be offered treatment.
“We were just brainstorming how to gather the 30 million kronor needed to finance our clinical study when she called and donated one million directly—now we need to secure the remaining funds to make the study a reality,” says Bergström.
The study will include at least 6,000 randomly selected participants using the screening tool, along with an equally large control group for comparison.
An unusual donation
Before ending the call, the donor mentioned that she also wanted to support Professor Magnus Gisslén’s research in infectious medicine and antimicrobial resistance. Bergström facilitated the connection, and soon it was agreed that one million kronor would be donated to each research project.
It is very rare for private individuals to donate such large sums directly to targeted research areas. Typically, donations are made through wills, leaving little opportunity to discuss in advance how the funds will be used. This donation demonstrates that there are individuals who actively want to support specific research and contribute directly to scientific breakthroughs.
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Both Professor Bergström and Professor Gisslén have since had the opportunity to thank the donor in person.
“It is a fantastic gift and we are extremely grateful. This contributes to research that can lead to real changes in cardiac care,” says Bergström.
The anonymous donor added, “I am glad to be able to contribute to research that can make a difference.”
