Research concept
New understanding of individual cardiovascular risk
In our research, we adopt a multidisciplinary approach to view each person as a unique system, aiming to gain the most comprehensive understanding of their risk profile. We explore the interplay of various factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease, including psychosocial risks and resilience factors, for personalized risk assessment. From this, we develop prevention and treatment strategies tailored to the individual’s background and living conditions.
Our ultimate goal is to deliver the right treatment to the right person at the right time.
The innovative approach of our research
Our comprehensive approach, which includes innovative imaging, psychosocial, and geographic characteristics alongside "classical" clinical and emerging molecular characteristics, allows early detection of subclinical organ changes, genetic risks, and behavioural profiles of study participants to be included in the risk assessment.
We recruit young people at high genetic risk or with an early cardiovascular event and their first-degree relatives to observe changes early and conduct targeted genetic analyses.
We also perform causally driven intervention evaluations and validations for high-risk individuals.
Recording results through cutting-edge imaging: This approach enables quantification of subclinical risk over time.
Digital advancements for cardiovascular health
Digital health technologies go beyond being mere high-tech gadgets. They use digital, mobile, and wireless technologies to support health, ranging from smartwatches that detect cardiac arrhythmias to app-connected blood pressure monitors for home use. We aim to use, develop, and validate these technologies to support all FS-CPC areas, including diagnosis, prevention, and therapy. Machine learning approaches will assist in developing prediction algorithms for individual cardiovascular risk. Despite their great potential, few scientific studies exist on their validated use. We also employ new imaging techniques to detect subtle vascular and organ changes. These visualizations help not only in communicating with patients but also in developing new parameters for precise cardiovascular assessments.
New therapies and personalized implementation
A heart attack often represents the first clinical sign of coronary artery atherosclerosis, a process that unfolds over decades. While interventions like stents treat symptoms, they do not address the underlying disease—a foundational concept in medicine. Effective prevention, emphasizing biochemical and psychological resilience, offers a more efficient, cost-effective approach. A paradigm shift in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases is essential to maintain health rather than merely mitigating disease progression. The future lies in early treatment during disease genesis to prevent morbidity, disability, and death. New pharmacological therapies, especially those targeting atherogenic lipoproteins, should be integrated into prevention, considering all risk and resilience factors. Personalized dietary recommendations, physical activity, and environmental considerations such as pollution and noise exposure are vital. Adherence to long-term preventive measures, including lifestyle and medication, is a limiting factor. Barriers include lack of knowledge, misinformation, low motivation, and inadequate support from healthcare providers and society. Patient involvement, regular motivation, and reliable, actionable information are crucial components of individual prevention strategies.