Focus Areas
The DZHK's Research Strategy 2026–2030 defines six focus areas. Each area addresses a key challenge in cardiovascular medicine, linking molecular mechanisms with clinical questions. This establishes a direct route from basic research to its application in clinical studies and therapy.
Precision medicine in cardiomyopathies
Cardiomyopathies are a highly heterogeneous group of diseases. Our research focuses on identifying genetic and molecular causes, developing more precise diagnoses, and establishing the basis for personalised treatment strategies. Our goal is to provide patients with more targeted therapies and implement new therapeutic approaches in clinical practice more quickly.
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)
HFpEF is one of the most common forms of heart failure, yet it remains challenging to treat. By characterising patient groups in more detail, studying the underlying mechanisms and developing diagnostic tools, we can enable more targeted therapies. This helps us to create new treatment options for this large patient group.
Immunocardiology
The immune system plays a central role in many cardiovascular diseases. Chronic inflammation can lead to vascular damage, heart failure or arrhythmias. Our research focuses on understanding how immune cells and signalling pathways interact with the heart and blood vessels. We also explore strategies that can selectively influence inflammatory processes without compromising the body's defence mechanisms.
Heart regeneration
The heart's ability to recover from damage is limited. Our research focuses on developing concepts for repairing or replacing heart tissue, ranging from activating the body's own regenerative mechanisms to engineering tissues through biotechnological means. Our research aims to pave the way for restoring long-term cardiac function.
Cardiovascular ageing
As people grow older, their hearts and blood vessels undergo significant changes. These processes significantly contribute to heart failure, arrhythmias and vascular calcification. Our research focuses on analysing the biological mechanisms of ageing, identifying risk factors, and developing preventive and therapeutic approaches to preserve cardiovascular health for longer.
Heart–brain interaction
The heart and brain influence each other in many ways, such as in cases of stroke, arrhythmia or heart failure. Our research focuses on investigating the underlying mechanisms, developing improved diagnostic methods, and deriving new strategies for prevention and therapy. Our goal is to enhance the treatment of complex diseases that affect both organs.