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Heart and Vascular Institute

Cardiovascular Research

Preventive Cardiology

Genetics play a big role in your risk of developing heart disease, but so does your lifestyle. Johns Hopkins cardiologists are leaders in preventive cardiology research. With preventive cardiology, the goal is to reduce risk factors and prevent any signs of disease from getting worse.

Preventive cardiology researchers at the Ciccarone Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease work to better prevent heart disease and stroke through research, education and the highest level of clinical care for people at risk for developing cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease. They study topics such as hypertension (high blood pressure), cholesterol/lipids, diabetes, cigarette smoking, e-cigarettes, physical activity/exercise, diet, overweight and obesity, genetics, inflammation, aging, frailty, racial/ethnic disparities, gender differences, novel biomarkers, subclinical disease imaging, risk prediction, stress/depression, vitamin D and mobile health. The center publishes a robust database of original basic and clinical research findings by Johns Hopkins cardiologists.

A study through the GeneSTAR Research Center looks at heart disease and related risk factors in families where heart disease is prevalent. They research novel risk interventions, cerebrovascular disease risk and attendant metabolic and thrombosis phenotypic risk factors. The study has had a long-term interest in African-American families and disparities in the cardiovascular disease substrate.

Once a patient has been treated for heart disease, speeding recovery and preventing further disease is vital. The Johns Hopkins Corrie mobile health solution promotes skill-building for preventive measures such as diet, exercise and medication habits. The app connects patients with resources to help recovery, and uses mindfulness techniques to improve patient awareness and emotional strength. Patients track data analytics and biofeedback on steps, heart rate and blood pressure with smart tools including an Apple Watch and Bluetooth blood pressure monitor. Using emerging technology in this way, researchers are exploring new options for preventive care.

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Researchers

  • Michael Joseph Blaha, M.D., M.P.H.

    • Director of Clinical Research, Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
    • Professor of Medicine

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Medicine - Green Spring Station, Lutherville, MD

  • Roger Scott Blumenthal, M.D.

    • Kenneth Jay Pollin Professor of Cardiology
    • Director of Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
    • Professor of Medicine

    Primary Location: The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD

  • Gary Gerstenblith, M.D., J.D.

    • Director of clinical trials, Division of Cardiology
    • Professor of Medicine
    • Joint Appointment in Radiology and Radiological Science

    Primary Location: The Johns Hopkins Hospital (Main Entrance), Baltimore, MD

  • Steven Richard Jones, M.D.

    • Director, Inpatient Cardiology
    • Associate Professor of Medicine

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center (now called Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center), Baltimore, MD

  • Thorsten Martin Leucker, M.D., Ph.D.

    • Director, Cardiology Fellowship Program
    • Director of Basic and Translational Vascular Biology Research within the Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease
    • Associate Professor of Medicine

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center (now called Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center), Baltimore, MD

  • Seth Shay Martin, M.D., M.H.S.

    • Director of the Advanced Lipid Disorders Program and Digital Health Lab, Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
    • Professor of Medicine

    Primary Location: The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD

  • Erin Donnelly Michos, M.D., M.H.S.

    • Director of Women's Cardiovascular Health Research
    • Associate Director of Preventive Cardiology
    • Associate Professor of Medicine

    Primary Location: The Johns Hopkins Hospital (Main Entrance), Baltimore, MD

  • Chiadi Ericson Ndumele, M.D., Ph.D., M.H.S.

    • Associate Professor of Medicine

    Primary Location: The Johns Hopkins Hospital (Main Entrance), Baltimore, MD

  • Wendy Susan Post, M.D., M.S.

    • Lou and Nancy Grasmick Professor of Cardiology
    • Director of Cardiovascular Research, Division of Cardiology
    • Johns Hopkins Cardiovascular Fellowship Research Director
    • Professor of Medicine

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Heart and Vascular Institute, Baltimore, MD

  • Elizabeth Virginia Ratchford, M.D.

    • Director, Johns Hopkins Center for Vascular Medicine
    • Associate Professor of Medicine

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Medicine - Green Spring Station, Lutherville, MD

  • Seamus Paul Whelton, M.D., M.P.H.

    • Director of the Advanced Subclinical Atherosclerosis Clinic
    • Assistant Professor of Medicine

    Primary Location: Johns Hopkins Medicine - Green Spring Station, Lutherville, MD