CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s U.S. senators on Monday announced a $444,000 grant for heart and vascular diseases research at Marshall University.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is providing the funding.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said the new funding shows the significance of university research as well as the seriousness of the problems West Virginians face.

“Because West Virginia suffers from higher rates of heart and vascular diseases, this research is particularly meaningful for our state,” she said. “I’m proud to see this funding support Marshall’s efforts, and I appreciate their work to help West Virginians and those across the country.”

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., echoed Capito’s points in his own statement.

“West Virginia has the highest prevalence of cardiovascular disease in the nation with 14.6% of West Virginians being diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases. To address this, we must ensure that cardiovascular research is well funded so that West Virginians and Americans can reduce their risk of cardiovascular diseases,” he said.

Manchin and Capito both serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee.