Heart
Indexed in MEDLINE (PubMed). Published by BMJ for the British Cardiovascular Society.
An international cardiology journal, and the flagship of the BMJ cardiology portfolio. It publishes clinical, research-led articles across cardiovascular medicine and aims to connect researchers, clinicians and educators. It is co-owned by the British Cardiovascular Society and BMJ.
Dr Robert BaxterPublishing in Heart
Heart is a cardiology journal owned by the British Cardiovascular Society and BMJ. It publishes clinical articles across cardiovascular medicine. The article types are original research, systematic reviews, reviews, specialist reviews, short reports, opinion pieces and image challenges.
Education in Heart and editorials are commissioned only. Publishing costs nothing, and readers reach the article through a subscription. Open access costs £3,760, excluding VAT for UK and EU authors. The journal states a median of 45 days to a first decision after peer review. Review is single blind, and the journal accepts about 16% of submissions.
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Word limits, abstract lengths and fees for each article type, member discounts and a checklist before you submit. Enter your email to unlock this journal and every other guide.
You'll also receive The Weekend Round every Saturday. Unsubscribe in one click.- Original research
New clinical or laboratory studies, including meta-analyses, with a structured abstract and a patient involvement statement.
- Words
- 3,000
- Abstract
- 300
- Figures & tables
- 8
- References
- 30
- Systematic review
Systematic evidence reviews, such as meta-analyses and scoping reviews. Follow PRISMA and name the review type in the title.
- Words
- —
- Abstract
- —
- Figures & tables
- —
- References
- —
- Review
A short overview of a specific or emerging cardiovascular topic for a broad readership. Usually commissioned.
- Words
- 4,000
- Abstract
- 200
- Figures & tables
- 5
- References
- 50
- Specialist review
A long, balanced appraisal of an established or fast-moving research area, written for specialists.
- Words
- 7,000
- Abstract
- 300
- Figures & tables
- 8
- References
- 100
- Education in Heart
A structured teaching article that follows a curriculum. Commissioned only, but you can suggest a topic.
- Words
- —
- Abstract
- —
- Figures & tables
- —
- References
- —
- Short report
A short report of an original study. Extra material is allowed only to describe the methods.
- Words
- 1,500
- Abstract
- 250
- Figures & tables
- 3
- References
- 15
- Opinion
A brief expert view on cardiovascular research, practice or policy, by no more than three authors.
- Words
- 1,200
- Abstract
- —
- Figures & tables
- 1
- References
- 5
- Editorial
A short comment on a topic or paper. Commissioned only.
- Words
- 1,200
- Abstract
- —
- Figures & tables
- 2
- References
- 8
- Image challenge
One teaching image with a short case and a multiple choice question. The answer is published separately.
- Words
- 400
- Abstract
- —
- Figures & tables
- —
- References
- 5
The fee applies only to open access and is 3,760 GBP, excluding VAT for UK and EU authors. Authors can instead publish at no cost and the article is available to subscribers. Colour in the print edition costs 510 GBP extra. There are no submission, page or online-only colour charges. Waivers may be available where all authors are in low-income countries.
Before you submit
- Upload the completed reporting checklist for your study type, such as CONSORT or STROBE. Blank checklists are returned.
- Add a Patient and Public Involvement statement to the Methods of an original research paper.
- Include a Data Availability Statement in every research article.
- Give an ORCID iD for the submitting author when you submit.
- Keep original research to 3,000 words, and write a title that does not state the findings.
- Say in your cover letter if the paper was posted as a preprint.
Frequently asked
- Is Heart indexed in PubMed?
- Yes. Heart is indexed in MEDLINE, so its articles are in PubMed with a PMID.
- How much does it cost to publish in Heart?
- There is a free route: authors can publish without a fee. Open access costs £3,760.
- Does Heart accept case reports?
- No. Heart does not publish case reports.
- What is the Impact Factor of Heart?
- Heart states an Impact Factor of 4.4 for 2025.
- How long does Heart take to decide?
- About 45 days from submission to first decision.
- What is the acceptance rate of Heart?
- Heart states that it accepts 16% of submissions.
- What kind of peer review does Heart use?
- Single-blind peer review.
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