In laboratories throughout the medical center, basic science research is under way to better understand the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, to analyze how current treatments work, and to develop potential new therapies.

Arrhythmias
Investigators at NYU's Heart Rhythm Center conduct laboratory research to decipher the cellular mechanisms that initiate and sustain cardiac arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation. The scientists use a rabbit model of myocardial infarction to study the cellular changes induced by pressure overload atrial dilation.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Research
Basic scientific research is under way at the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center to study the process of disease and healing of the heart. Research is carried out in conjunction with other departments and divisions of the medical center.

Cardiothoracic Surgery
The main basic-science research focus of NYU's cardiothoracic surgeons is the regulation of growth factors involved in angiogenesis and their role in remodeling injured vessels. By understanding the growth and remodeling mechanisms involved in these processes, they hope to revascularize the heart and coronary arteries more rapidly, and with better results.

Pediatric Cardiology
Basic science research in pediatric cardiology takes place in the division's Molecular and Cellular Research Laboratories. The group's overall objective is to study the role of ion-translocating mechanisms in cardiac function, particularly as it relates to heart rhythm and development. The team utilizes state-of-the art multidisciplinary approaches that take advantage of several complementary methodologies.

Vascular Surgery
The Division of Vascular Surgery founded the Vascular Surgery Basic Science Laboratory at New York University School of Medicine in 1999. Since its formation, the laboratory has been extremely successful in expanding the understanding of the mechanisms involved in vascular disease. Particular attention has focused on the role of matrix metalloproteinases during vascular remodeling following ischemic heart injury.