Clinical diagnostics

We aim to deepen our understanding of cardiovascular disease development through holistic and interdisciplinary research. To assess individual cardiovascular risk, we conduct a range of tests, medical examinations, and laboratory analyses. Beyond conventional risk factors like smoking or obesity, we also consider psychosocial and cognitive influences such as chronic stress, social isolation, or memory loss. Additionally, we collect data on participants' daily habits, exercise, and diet. These clinical diagnostic results are integrated with molecular diagnostic findings for comprehensive analysis.

Cardiovascular imaging

Our research explores how inflammation contributes to arterial hardening (atherosclerosis). Advanced imaging methods, including computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), allow early detection of vascular changes without invasive procedures. We study how exercise, diet, and medication can reduce inflammation and lower cardiovascular risk. Efforts include combining CCTA with cardiac MRI to enhance diagnostics and gain deeper insights into disease mechanisms, enabling earlier detection.

Cognition & Psychology

Psychosocial health, encompassing emotional well-being, social connections, and resilience, directly affects cardiovascular health. While behaviours like exercise, healthy eating, and strong social bonds are protective, questions remain about how genetic, medical, and psychosocial factors interconnect. Our research investigates these dynamics, including the role of mental health and motivation in lifestyle changes, to better understand cardiovascular health over a lifetime.

Nutrition and
Gut microbiome

High LDL cholesterol is a known cardiovascular risk factor. Recent studies highlight the role of propionic acid, a product of gut bacteria digesting dietary fibre, in reducing cholesterol levels. We aim to expand precision nutrition research to examine how gut microbiota and their metabolites influence heart health. This work seeks to develop personalized nutritional strategies for preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases.

Vascular biology, inflammation, sport

Exercise benefits heart health, though not everyone experiences the same gains. We explore how physical responses to activities like cycling can predict cardiovascular risk and how tailored exercise routines can maximize heart health. Using tools like ergospirometry, activity tracking, and blood sample analyses, we study white blood cells and platelets, sharing insights with researchers to optimize preventive care.

Fat metabolism disorders

Dyslipidaemia, marked by abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, is a major cardiovascular risk. Lowering LDL cholesterol significantly reduces disease risk. We investigate various questions related to lipid metabolism, including early detection of familial hypercholesterolemia in newborns, to improve prevention and treatment.

Digital health
and wearables

Wearable devices, such as fitness trackers, collect vital data on movement, sleep, and heart rhythms. These insights help create personalized risk profiles. We evaluate how well digital tools detect and prevent cardiovascular diseases while promoting health awareness and self-monitoring.

Thromboinflammation & hemostasis

Normal blood clotting stops bleeding but can become problematic if clots block blood flow, leading to thrombosis, heart attacks, or strokes. Clots also trigger inflammation (thromboinflammation), contributing to vascular disease. We study risk factors like high blood sugar and elevated lipids, testing interventions such as diet, exercise, and medications to reduce clot-related risks. Your participation is essential in preventing thrombosis-related illnesses.

If a thrombus has formed in a vessel, inflammatory changes can always be detected there, as a thrombus causes a strong inflammatory stimulus (thromboinflammation). This inflammation contributes to the development of pathological changes in the body, e.g. vascular inflammation. In the "Thromboinflammation and haemostasis" module, we deal with the prevention of these pathogenic processes mentioned above. In other words, we want to prevent the development of thrombosis and thromboinflammation. To this end, we at the Friede Springer Prevention Center investigate certain risk factors leading to thromboinflammation with a focus on preventing them through preventive measures. Risk factors include elevated blood sugar levels, such as in pre-diabetes or diabetes, elevated lipids in the blood or certain other changes within the platelet and coagulation system. We carry out functional analyses of platelets and coagulation factors in patients with risk factors. We also analyze the extent to which interventions such as a specific diet, exercise, weight loss, anti-inflammatory drugs and other tablets lead to an improvement in the factors that are important for the development of thrombi. The extent of the inflammation is also assessed.
We need your cooperation to be able to carry out these examinations. We want to protect you from developing diseases caused by thrombosis during your lifetime.