Heart Research Programs & Labs
Cardiovascular research at the Smidt Heart Institute explores the causes of complex heart disease and new treatments. Our research programs and labs are addressing fundamental questions about molecular biology, physiology, pharmacology and biochemistry.
Heart Research Programs
Our investigators are improving outcomes and minimizing cumulative trauma from congenital heart disease. Research focuses on developing novel, minimally invasive techniques, including hybrid approaches and imaging modalities.
Our electrophysiology investigators are uncovering the essential characteristics of heart rhythm and electrical abnormalities that will inform innovative new arrhythmia therapeutics. Through preclinical and clinical projects, cardiovascular researchers are developing novel genetic and biochemical pathways to predict ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. We are also developing less invasive procedures for treating atrial fibrillation.
Our preclinical and clinical research protocols include:
- Developing new therapeutics for end-stage heart failure
- Improving outcomes and quality of life for heart transplant patients
- Identifying noninvasive methods for detecting organ rejection in heart transplant patients
- Discovering more effective immunosuppression drugs with fewer side effects to fight organ rejection
- Improving total artificial heart and mechanical circulatory support devices
- Identifying novel stem cell therapies to repair damaged heart tissue
We are investigating the effectiveness and limitations of coronary interventional devices. Our efforts also include identifying more effective options for treating coronary artery, valve and structural heart disease.
Interventional cardiology investigators test devices to:
- Support the heart during high-risk interventions
- Repair or replace the aortic, pulmonic and mitral valves
- Plug congenital heart defects and the left atrial appendage
This heart research program is exploring diseases and biological processes that give way to heart disease, including:
Atherosclerosis
Our scientists are investigating the mechanisms of atherosclerotic plaque buildup to develop innovative prevention, reversal and treatment strategies. Studies include preclinical and clinical research.
Read more about atherosclerosis research.
Hypertension
We are developing novel strategies to improve early detection and management of hypertension, especially among high-risk individuals.
Read more about hypertension research.
Muscular dystrophy
Cedars-Sinai investigators are identifying novel therapies for heart conditions associated with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies through preclinical and clinical research projects.
Read more about muscular dystrophy research.
Researchers at the Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center are investigating the pathophysiology of ischemic heart disease. We are also exploring the pathophysiological differences between men and women with this disease. In preclinical and clinical projects, we are identifying gender-specific testing strategies and conventional therapies to optimize cardiac care for women.
Heart Research Labs
We extend basic research observations into clinical studies for improving the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.
Discover and implement novel clinical tools for prediction and prevention of sudden cardiac arrest.
Interdisciplinary research focused on quantitative proteomics and disease-induced biomarker studies.
Investigates powerful new methods of detecting, evaluating and treating heart disease.
Have Questions or Need Help?
Contact us if you have questions or wish to learn more about the programs and services at the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai.