Division of Cardiovascular Sciences

The Adult and Pediatric Cardiac Research Program focuses on heart function from birth through adulthood. Specific focus areas include coronary artery disease and atherothrombosis, cardiac development, pediatric and congenital heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, myocardial protection from ischemia, and resuscitation science. Branches within this program include the Atherothrombosis and Coronary Artery Disease Branch, Heart Development and Structural Diseases Branch, and Heart Failure and Arrhythmias Branch. View funding information for the Adult and Pediatric Cardiac Research Program.

The Basic and Early Translational Research Program emphasizes the development of imaging and diagnostics, therapeutics, and devices for cardiac support and repair. The program supports evidence-based surgical and clinical research that advances promising new techniques, bioinformatics, and computational and systems biology, as well as the study of the vascular system, lymphatics, and blood pressure regulation. Branches within this program include the Advanced Technologies and Surgery Branch and Vascular Biology and Hypertension Branch. View funding information for the Basic and Early Translational Research Program.

The Prevention and Population Sciences Program focuses on a wide range of research in epidemiology and prevention. Major activities supported include population-based cohort studies; studies of genetic, behavioral, and environmental influences on disease risk and outcomes; and clinical trials focused on prevention and improvements to clinical care and public health. Branches within this program include the Clinical Applications and Prevention Branch and Epidemiology Branch. View funding information for the Prevention and Population Sciences Program.

The Office of Clinical Research is responsible for coordinating clinical research oversight and regulatory activities among NHLBI extramural divisions.  This includes developing and maintaining standard operating procedures, guiding policy and practice, developing database and informatics tools to facilitate clinical research oversight, providing staff support to NHLBI-funded trials, and managing NHLBI’s data and safety monitoring boards and other clinical research oversight boards. OCR staff conduct training, and advise NHLBI staff and extramural investigators about clinical research conduct and requirements. View funding information for the Office of Clinical Research.

The Office of Research Training and Career Development supports training and career development programs in cardiovascular research, offering opportunities to individuals at all educational levels, from high school students to academic faculty, and it includes programs for individuals from diverse populations.  The office supports institutional and individual research training programs for training of promising cardiovascular scientists at the predoctoral, postdoctoral, junior faculty, and established investigator levels. View funding information for the Office of Research Training and Career Development.

The Office of the Director provides leadership and supports basic, clinical, population, and health services research on the causes, prevention, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.