The Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease works with adults at high risk for cardiovascular disease. Through education, research and a comprehensive approach to heart disease prevention, we work to reduce the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, bypass surgery and angioplasty in patients with risk factors such as: Hypertension (high blood pressure) Hyperlipidemia/dyslipidemia (high cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol) Diabetes Cigarette smoking Sedentary lifestyle Excess weight Existing cardiovascular or peripheral arterial disease Family history of cardiovascular or peripheral arterial disease at an early age Our Tripartite Mission Create excellent clinical care for people at risk of developing heart disease or other types of atherosclerotic vascular disease. Educate health care practitioners to better identify and treat patients at risk of developing heart disease, peripheral arterial disease or stroke. Establish rigorous research programs to study heart disease and stroke prevention. Research Interests We are particularly interested in factors contributing to heart disease clusters in families and in adults younger than 65 with cardiovascular disease. We are also interested in patients who have family members with premature atherosclerotic disease but who don’t yet show symptoms.