"Improving Cardiovascular Health through the Pursuit and Dissemination of Knowledge" - Hesham A. Sadek, MD, PhD
I am excited to share my vision for the future of the Sarver Heart Center, building on our rich history of discovery and excellence in cardiovascular research, and education.
For almost 40 years, the Sarver Heart Center at the University of Arizona has been at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries and innovative therapies. Our scientists, physicians and nurses have significantly advanced the field of cardiovascular medicine and transformed cardiovascular science and patient care worldwide.
Scientists at the Sarver Heart Center have made significant contributions to our understanding of mechanisms of heart diseases and have even translated some of their discoveries to therapeutics. Our scientists are credited for a number of paradigm shifting discoveries in cardiovascular research, including the discovery of the innate regenerative properties of the newborn mammalian heart, the discovery of the first drugs that induce regeneration in mammals following a heart attack, and identifying mechanism by which mutations of heart muscle genes result in heart failure and sudden cardiac death.
On the clinical research front, our scientists have pioneered a lifesaving technique called chest-compression-only (CCO) CPR in 2003. Since then, this technique has played a pivotal role in improving survival for patients suffering from cardiac arrest. Building on this lifesaving discovery, members of the Sarver Heart Center continue to provide education and training through partnership programs with our community. Researchers at the Sarver Heart Center are also credited for inventing the Total Artificial Heart, which is an innovative medical device that can transform the care of patients suffering from heart failure.
Today our scientists are pushing the boundaries of discovery in cardiovascular research and uncovering new insights into heart disease prevention and treatment. We utilize state-of-the-art technologies such as advanced imaging, genetic, metabolic, proteomic, bioengineering and computation techniques to uncover fundamental mechanisms of heart diseases and develop personalized therapeutics. To that end, we are building the first-of-its-kind patient-centric Therapeutics Discovery Pipeline where our scientists, physicians, nurses, and staff will develop personalized therapeutics for patients with rare cardiovascular disorders.
The Sarver Heart Center has a long history of strong partnership with our community through various outreach educational programs. We will continue to strengthen our ties with the community by promoting heart health and preventive care. Through outreach programs, public education campaigns, and partnerships with local organizations, we aim to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease prevention, encourage healthy lifestyles and inform the public about life saving measures.
My vision for the Sarver Heart Center is one of excellence in cardiovascular care, research, and education. I am excited and honored to lead the Sarver Heart Center and look forward to achieving these goals through partnership with our colleagues and our community.
- Hesham A. Sadek MD, PhD
Professor, Medicine
Director, Sarver Heart Center
Allan C. Hudson & Helen Lovaas – Endowed Chair of Cardiovascular Medicine
Chief, Division of Cardiology