The University of Ottawa Heart Institute Telethon shattered its fundraising goal by raising more than $5.8 million for heart research this weekend.
"It feels awesome. (Residents) have come through in a spectacular fashion this year," said Dr. Alan Rottenberg, chair of the Heart Institute Foundation.
The money raised in this year's telethon, which aired on CTV Ottawa, will help save lives and raise awareness about the factors that lead to heart disease -- one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
Although heart disease is partly preventable through diet, exercise and treatment, a new study conducted by 100 medical centres worldwide, including the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, reveals at least half the cause is genetic.
Researchers discovered 13 new genes that increase the risk of heart disease, more than doubling the number of genes known to cause the disease.
Most of the new genes aren't linked to established factors for heart disease, such as cholesterol and poor diet.
Doctors say the telethon is what makes discoveries like this possible.
"Without the support, without the telethon, we would not be able to have that institute and certainly we would not be a part of this great story of all the genes we've identified," said Dr. Robert Roberts, president and CEO of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Kristy Kirkup
