Research in heart and lung diseases

The Clinical Trial Unit operates as an integral part of the Heart and Lung Center. The unit studies the treatment of heart and lung diseases. We conduct research on new experimental drugs as well as basic research that provides answers to questions about the origin and evolution of the diseases. The research is related to international collaborations, the pharmaceutical industry, or the researchers’ own observations.

Potilas tutkimuksessa Sydän- ja keuhkokeskuksessa

The Clinical Trial Unit was established at the beginning of 2022. The unit’s goal is to provide better care for patients with heart and lung diseases. The Clinical Trial Unit connects and serves patients, the staff treating them, researchers, and the innovative industry. The Clinical Trial Unit currently has one research coordinator and three research nurses, as well as several researchers. The number of studies is growing rapidly.

Research patients are recruited for studies from the outpatient clinics in Meilahti Hospital and the Biobank, as well as through newspaper advertisements, depending on the research setting.

The Heart and Lung Center is responsible for the operations of the Clinical Trial Unit, and the staff is managed by the Director of Research and Education. The research coordinator is responsible for the coordination of the research.

Our research

There are several academic research groups from the University of Helsinki operating in the cardiology division. In the links below you will find research groups by topic as well as their contact information. The cardiology division studies heart disease extensively from molecular biology to epidemiology, and we also conduct device and drug studies. Research topics include coronary artery disease, cardiac insufficiency, valvular diseases, arrhythmias, inflammatory heart diseases, and genetic heart diseases.

The cardiology division participates in the following working groups on heart disease (ERN GUARD-heart) of the European Reference Network (ERN):

Familial Cardiomyopathies
Familial Electrical Diseases
Special Electrophysiology Conditions in Children
Congenital Heart Disease & Other Rare Cardiac Disease

Coronary artery disease research

We study coronary artery disease in a versatile way: we conduct drug studies, examine the causes of coronary artery disease related to immunology and molecular genetics. We use AI-based analysis methods to study the samples taken.

Coroprevention project

We are responsible for the clinical part of the Europe-wide Coroprevention study.

Coronary disease

Principal Investigator: Juha Sinisalo

Additional cardiological examinations

ECG changes predicting sudden cardiac death

Principal Investigator: Aapo Aro

Hereditary cardiomyopathies

Research projects targeting hereditary myocardial diseases examine the genetics, epidemiology and treatments of cardiomyopathies.

Principal Investigator: Tiina Heliö

In cooperation

Helsinki Biobank (opens in new window, links to another website)

In our research, we utilize samples and data resources stored in the biobank. Read more about biobank operations on the website of Helsinki Biobank. At the same time, you can give your voluntary biobank consent and give permission to deposit your sample in the biobank.