Advances in medical research, imaging and other technologies are leading a revolution in the early detection and effective treatment of cardiovascular disease, according to Dr. Jonathan W. Weinsaft, chief of the Maurice R. and Corinne P. Greenberg Division of Cardiology at Weill Cornell Medicine.
“We are now able to dramatically improve outcomes for a broad range of patients with cardiovascular conditions,” says Dr. Weinsaft. “People with heart disease that was untreatable 20 or 30 years ago are now thriving due to new testing approaches, interventional technologies and medical therapies, and that we can now offer at Weill Cornell Medicine.”
For example, patients benefit from the unique collaborative culture at Weill Cornell Medicine that links experts from diverse specialties into one integrated program. Long an innovator in cardiovascular medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine continues to pioneer new areas in the field, including a recently launched program in cardio-oncology, where physicians focus on the long-term impact of cancer and cancer treatment on the heart.
“This is an exciting time for cardiology,” says Dr. Joy M. Gelbman, associate professor of clinical medicine and assistant director of population health. “Developments in minimally invasive procedures, use of AI technologies to predict cardiac events, a better understanding of the genetic basis for disease and targeted treatment plans are coming to fruition.”
But even with impressive medical advances, people can still take steps to reduce their risk of heart disease. This is especially true in poorer, medically underserved communities, which often experience a greater burden of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, stroke and heart failure.
Weill Cornell Medicine is continually improving its efforts to reach out to all patients in the communities it serves to promote cardiovascular risk-reduction strategies and expand access to cutting-edge therapies, says Dr. Weinsaft.
“It’s important to remember that when it comes to protecting your heart health there is much that is within your control,” says Dr. Jessica Peña, associate professor of clinical medicine and of medicine in radiology, and director of the HeartHealth program at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center’s Dalio Institute of Cardiovascular Imaging. “Global studies show that more than half of new cases of cardiovascular disease are attributable to five risk factors: blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and body mass index. Stay engaged with your health-care team.”
Drs. Weinsaft, Gelbman and Peña will lead a panel discussion on these and other heart-health issues at the Spring Dean’s Council meeting at Weill Cornell Medicine on April 8, 2025.
