Cardiovascular Biology Pathways
Cardiovascular biology research covers the development, normal functioning, and pathology of the heart, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels. The circulatory system plays a critical role in immune responses and the transport of nutrients and hormones, while the processes of angiogenesis and thrombosis (coagulation) are critical for the growth and maintenance of the system. Major diseases of the circulatory system include atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, stroke, and hypertension. Diseases such as diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, cancer, fibrosis, and sepsis are primarily disorders of other systems, but their presence significantly increases the risk and incidence of cardiovascular disease.