New Delhi, January 7, 2025 — The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited researchers, scientists, and clinicians to collaborate on multicentric projects focusing on cardiovascular health and diseases (CVDs). The initiative, under the Department of Biotechnology’s Chronic and Lifestyle Disease Program, aims to enhance understanding of cardiac functions and develop early risk-assessment strategies.
Cardiovascular Diseases: A Leading Health Concern
A study by the Global Burden of Disease (1990–2019) identifies CVDs as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in India. While metabolic factors contribute significantly, economic, social, and environmental influences also play a role in the development of these conditions.
Post-COVID Impact on Cardiac Health
The pandemic has highlighted long-term cardiac complications, with many cases showing worse outcomes post-COVID. This reinforces the need for:
- Advanced biological models for studying cardiac functions.
- Research into cardiovascular impacts of viral infections.
Call for Collaborative Projects
ICMR seeks Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for collaborative projects between basic scientists and clinicians in areas such as:
- Cardiovascular effects of viral infections, including post-COVID outcomes.
- Development of models for cardiac research and drug discovery.
- Research on cardio-metabolic health and prevention strategies, including:
- Identification of high-risk populations.
- Early detection using biomarkers or predictive algorithms.
Participation by Public and Private Institutions
Public and private academic institutions are encouraged to participate in this initiative to tackle cardiovascular health challenges and reduce the disease burden in India.
This call marks a significant step toward advancing cardiovascular research and improving health outcomes nationwide.
