Cardiovascular disease due to atherosclerosis, or the accumulation of cholesterol in the arterial wall, can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and impairment of blood flow to the extremities (arms and legs) and to organs including the kidney and intestines. The causes of atherosclerosis are both genetic susceptibility and non-genetic factors including unhealthy behaviors such as cigarette smoking, a high saturated fat, high caloric diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and environmental factors (i.e., air pollution). 

Our team uses a comprehensive, integrated approach to risk factor modifications and/or use of proven pharmacological therapies to help lower risk of cardiovascular disease. For some patients, the available therapies may be inadequate to achieve the desired results or may be poorly tolerated. Our integrated program in clinical care and clinical research may be appropriate for patients who require an alternative approach or more intensive treatment plan. Patients may also be able to enroll in one of our many trials, using therapies such as novel lipid modifying, weight loss, diabetes control, and blood pressure treatment. Some of the new therapies that we have used can reduce pill burden through administration of the medication under the skin every month to every six months. In an effort to change the course of the disease for younger patients, we may use gene editing approaches. We work with you on a data-driven approach to maintain or restore your health.

Robert Rosenson, MD
Director, Metabolism and Lipids Program
Professor of Medicine (Cardiology)
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai