Prof. Dr. med. Elisabeth Steinhagen-Thiessen

I am a geriatrician and internist with heart and soul. I am a senior professor at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and am delighted to be part of the research team at the Friede Springer - Cardiovascular Prevention Center. I am also head of the lipid metabolism outpatient clinic at Rostock University Hospital.

My field of research is extremely complex, as ageing has many different facets. Over the years, I have worked intensively on the following research topics, among others: Cell ageing, theories of ageing, phenomena of human ageing, ageing at the micro and macro level or ageing from phenotype to genotype, age and disease as well as ageing in the context of influences of psychosocial factors etc.

In addition to geriatric medicine (geriatrics), I specialize in lipid metabolism disorders, two areas that are closely linked scientifically. I am particularly interested in genetic diseases such as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and a number of rare, also monogenetic diseases.

Prevention, particularly with regard to cardiovascular diseases, and the approach of individualizing medical therapies for both young and older people are key drivers of my work. Through the Berlin Aging Studies, we and our multidisciplinary research team have obtained many results for a better understanding of the human aging process with regard to physical health, intellectual performance, mental well-being and the social and economic situation. My clinical work as Chief Physician, Chair of Geriatric Medicine and Head of the University Outpatient Clinic for Lipid Metabolic Disorders at Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, has had a significant influence on my commitment to the prevention of cardiovascular disease. This includes the early detection of risk factors using modern methods such as risk assessment (Poligenetic Risk Scores) or newborn screening for lipometabolic disorders. I firmly believe that through a holistic research approach, which is reflected in the multidisciplinary composition of our team, we at the Friede Springer - Cardiovascular Prevention Center can show that the prevention of cardiovascular diseases is successful. We have to do better so that no one has to die of a heart attack in the future.