Research

Atherosclerosis is the key theme for our interdisciplinary research in cardiovascular sciences. In recent years, cardiovascular disease (heart attack and stroke) has become the number 1 killer in Hong Kong and China. The primary objective of the ICSM is to integrate basic sciences and clinical research into cardiovascular diseases, with the ultimate goal of achieving a reduction in mortality and morbidity.

Atherosclerosis research encompasses occlusive coronary vascular diseases leading to cardiac dysfunction, occlusive cerebral vascular diseases leading to stroke, or occlusive diseases of other peripheral vessels leading to hypertension. Metabolic abnormalities associated with Diabetes mellitus are also a significant risk-factor for atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular complications. Thus, the control of vascular reactivity by nerve, humoral factors and endothelium, is inevitably the underlying focus of interest. We also plan to further develop the use of substances from traditional Chinese medicine in cardiovascular medicine.

Research is currently organised into the following operational divisions:

• Cardiology and heart research group
• Cardiac surgery group
• Vascular biology group
• Cardiovascular pharmacology group
• Pediatric and geriatric study group
• Data management and educational resources group
• Conference and international affairs coordination