Department of Medicine

Message from the Chief of Cardiovascular Sciences

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The Section of Cardiovascular Research, part of the Department of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, is nationally recognized for its outstanding clinical and basic science research programs, specialized care centers, and clinical and research fellowships. Our four divisions—Atherosclerosis and Vascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Sciences, Hypertension and Clinical Pharmacology, and Thrombosis Research—share a common mission: to combine innovative basic science, clinical, and translational research to advance the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease and other cardiometabolic diseases and to educate clinical and basic science trainees. Our vision is to refine and integrate biomarker, imaging, and genetic techniques and emerging cellular and molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular pathophysiology to inform and implement precision medicine.

We conduct basic science, clinical, and translational research focusing on mechanisms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and other cardiometabolic diseases. Topics include cardiac remodeling and fibrosis, aging of the cardiovascular system, thrombosis and hemostasis, and established and emerging risk factors such as lipids, hypertension, obesity, and inflammation. We collaborate with basic and clinical researchers throughout the Texas Medical Center, the United States, and the world to develop new approaches for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular disease.

We offer state-of-the-art specialized healthcare in the Lipid Metabolism and Atherosclerosis Clinic, which is part of the Center for Cardiometabolic Disease Prevention and located in the Travis Building, and the Jamail Specialty Care Center located on the McNair Campus. Patient care is also provided at our affiliated hospitals: Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center/Texas Heart Institute, Ben Taub Hospital, and Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

The Section of Cardiovascular Research offers educational opportunities for medical students, predoctoral and postdoctoral students, and fellows, both in clinical and basic research areas. Our diverse faculty, projects, and facilities provide an excellent training experience and environment. We are committed to educating the next generation of cardiovascular researchers and clinicians prepared to implement the latest research development in clinical practice.

We encourage you to explore our website to learn more about our outstanding programs.

Christie M. Ballantyne, M.D.
Chief of Cardiovascular Research