Center of Biomedical Research Excellence in Cardiovascular Health

项目总结/摘要 心血管疾病（CVD），如冠状动脉疾病、心力衰竭和中风， 这是美国男性和女性的死亡原因之一。心血管疾病影响特拉华州的速度显着高于 全国平均水平心血管疾病在很大程度上是可以预防的，并且与该州和地区流行的风险因素有关 如不良饮食、肥胖、缺乏运动和其他可改变的行为。除了这些风险因素， 年龄的增长和其他慢性疾病的存在显著增加了心血管事件的风险 与死这些慢性病在特拉华州乃至全国都很常见。 理想的心血管健康被定义为没有临床表现的CVD，沿着最佳水平的 血压、胆固醇、血糖和体重。此外，理想的心血管健康是 与健康的行为，如定期体育活动，不吸烟和健康的饮食模式。 众所周知，不健康的心血管行为可导致结构性和/或功能性血管损伤。 变化，导致靶器官损伤和损害。需要更多的机械信息来对抗 心血管疾病和新的干预措施需要进行测试，以改善心血管健康和整体健康。 特拉华州大学心血管健康卓越生物医学研究中心的目标是 继续支持多学科研究，旨在了解潜在的机制， 心血管健康和/或功能不良的原因和后果，并制定有效的干预措施 对于这些条件。在第一阶段，该中心成功地发展了一个队列的独立研究生涯 的调查员。我们将培养四个新的心血管研究人员的研究生涯， 第二阶段。这些调查人员将得到全面的指导和职业发展计划的支持， 以及COBRE研究核心的基础设施。这些核心资源沿着一个试点项目 新的教职员工将使该中心具有更长期的可持续性。

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke remain the number one cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women. CVDs affect Delawareans at a rate significantly above the national average. CVDs are largely preventable, and related to risk factors prevalent in the state and region such as poor diet, obesity, physical inactivity, and other modifiable behaviors. In addition to these risk factors, increasing age and the presence of other chronic conditions significantly raise the risk for cardiovascular events and death. These chronic conditions are common in the State of Delaware and indeed the nation. Ideal cardiovascular health is defined as the absence of clinically manifest CVD, along with optimal levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, and body weight. In addition, ideal cardiovascular health is associated with healthy behaviors such as regular physical activity, lack of smoking, and healthy eating patterns. It is well established that unhealthy cardiovascular behaviors can result in structural and/or functional vascular changes, causing target organ impairment and damage. More mechanistic information is needed to combat CVDs, and novel interventions need to be tested to improve cardiovascular health and overall wellbeing. The goal of the University of Delaware Center of Biomedical Research Excellence in Cardiovascular Health is to continue to support multidisciplinary research aimed toward understanding the mechanisms underlying the causes and consequences of poor cardiovascular health and/or function, and developing effective interventions for these conditions. In Phase I, the center successfully developed the independent research careers of a cohort of investigators. We will foster the research careers of four new cardiovascular-focused investigators during Phase II. These investigators will be supported by a comprehensive mentoring and career development program, as well as infrastructure through the COBRE Research Core. These core resources along with a pilot program and new faculty hires will position the center for longer term sustainability.