To main content To main navigation
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Western societies and affects both young and elderly patients. Currently, these conditions cannot be cured, which is unacceptable to us. The CVC research activities include experimental and clinical studies to evaluate behavioural, pharmaceutical, and device therapies. The overall aim is to find a cure for CVD.

At the CVC, creative ideas and cutting-edge technology help to shape the treatments of tomorrow. The CVC research focuses on preserving cardiac function over time and ranges from basic and translational studies to multicentre clinical trials. The CVC researchers investigate the mechanisms underlying CVD, translate these findings into new treatments, and develop patient-tailored therapies. Our research focuses on:

  • Heart failure;
  • Atrial fibrillation;
  • Experimental cardiology;
  • Ischaemic heart disease.

UMCG Cardiology: Work on tomorrow’s innovations, today.

Play video
Cardiology video
Video

To view this content, please accept our social media cookies

Video bekijken Scannen
Relevance

Dedicated to fighting CVD in the ageing population

CVD is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with ageing being a primary risk factor. The prevalence of CVD will only further increase due to the ageing of our population. This is particularly relevant for the northern Netherlands, a region with a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and unfavourable socioeconomic circumstances.

Research embedded in care and society

The CVC researchers and physicians are well-embedded in societal organizations, which ensures that the research results are timely implemented in clinical practice and society. Our studies include experimental and clinical research, interventions, and cohort studies.

The CVC researchers conduct intervention studies including pharmacological interventions, lifestyle interventions, and device interventions. In addition, cohort studies are carried out to identify prognostic factors among the general population and populations at high risk of CVD. The role of co-morbidities such as renal disease, cancer, obesity, and diabetes is also examined.

Helping to reduce CVD-related deaths

The CVC translational approach and high-quality research have helped to reduce CVD-related deaths and, therefore, contribute to healthy ageing.

  • The combination of the regional approach adopted by the CVC and the numerous international collaborations has generated considerable results for patients, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

    • The CVC researchers are members of guideline committees, leading national and international committees, as well as participants in innovative clinical trials. The UMCG Department of Cardiology is a highly esteemed international referral centre for atrial fibrillation and heart failure treatment. Therefore, the CVC research activities have a direct major impact on science, treatment guidelines, patients, and policymakers.
    • The CVC researchers have contributed to nearly all therapies for new-onset atrial fibrillation and heart disease developed in the last decade.
    • A regional referral system for patients with CVD has been set up, which helps to ensure the implementation of new findings throughout the northern Netherlands (“HartNet”).
    • The CVC research networks have helped to establish connections with patients and patient committees that have now become valuable partners in the design and execution of clinical studies.

  • G-CURE aims to become a global scientific leader and service provider in the development of new pharmacological treatments for cardiovascular diseases, with a focus on heart failure, ischaemic heart disease, and atrial fibrillation. Originating from the Department of Cardiology of one of the most advanced university hospitals in Europe, G-CURE is a modern institute built on strong scientific foundations dating back to the eighteenth century. G-CURE offers unique skill sets and combined expertise to pharmaceutical, biotech and related industries, with services that include experimental animal studies, clinical trials, data analysis, and consultancy. Our expertise encompasses the full spectrum from studying pathophysiology resulting in novel mechanistic targets, to pre-clinical and Phase I, II and III drug development studies.

Contact

University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
Institute GUIDE
Cardiovascular Center (CVC)
P.O. Box 196
9700 AD Groningen
The Netherlands