Bioengineering of the heart

The cardiovascular system is an extremely complex organ system made up of the heart and blood vessels, representing many connected, constantly moving tissue components that give rise to a multitude of cellular and tissue level dysfunctions and diseases—more people die of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than any other disease globally. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents a broad range of interrelated disorders, including hypertension, heart attack and failure, valve failure, arrhythmia, stroke, and cardiomyopathies. While there are many drivers of CVD, age-related hardening of (arteriosclerosis) and plaque buildup within (atherosclerosis) the arteries are recognized as the underlying causes. Strategies for diagnosis, follow up, and care associated with CVD are unfortunately largely inadequate. Despite the paradigmatic shift from an experienced-based approach to an evidence-based approach in clinical care, the field remains hampered by the substantial amount of data needed for more effective prevention, risk stratification or care, and the complex interrelationships of multifarious different factors determining the ultimate fate of a given pathology. Given the substantial biological and physiological complexity and the range of comorbidities that contribute to the etiology and progression of CVD, it is vital that we continue to develop better understanding and novel technologies to address what is one of the fastest growing causes of death worldwide.