Heart and Vascular Institute

As a major academic health system, Mass General Brigham is a national and international leader in cardiovascular research. Our iInvestigators turn discoveries into real-world impact.

Our investigations translate into real-world impact, bringing new therapies and diagnostics to patients across our network.

• We currently support 550 active clinical trials, spanning a wide range of cardiovascular conditions.
• Our researchers have published 1,000 peer-reviewed papers, reflecting our deep and sustained contributions to the scientific literature.

With more than $180 million in research funding, we’re advancing heart and vascular care in key areas:

• Minimally invasive surgical techniques: Mass General Brigham performed New England’s first minimally invasive cardiac surgery in 1996 and has remained at the forefront ever since. Since then, we’ve performed thousands of procedures, including coronary artery bypass grafting and mitral valve repair, using approaches that reduce pain, minimize scarring, and support quicker recovery.
• Digital health solutions: Embracing digital transformation, Mass General Brigham has implemented remote healthcare programs to manage conditions like hypertension and high cholesterol. In a study involving over 10,000 participants, our digital monitoring program demonstrated significant reductions in blood pressure and LDL cholesterol, highlighting the effectiveness of virtual care in improving cardiovascular outcomes.
• Advanced imaging and diagnostics: Our Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center (CIRC) is advancing next-generation technologies using 3T MRI and Flash CT systems to develop new methods for more accurate diagnosis and better treatment planning.
• Clinical trials for new treatments: With more than 550 active clinical trials, we are deeply invested in finding new and better ways to treat heart and vascular disease. For instance, researchers have been studying the genetic basis of atrial fibrillation and developing new treatment approaches such as catheter ablation and left atrial appendage exclusion.

Cardiovascular Research Centers

Our research is strengthened by a broad portfolio of dedicated centers across the system, including:

• Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) Study Group – Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• BRI Cardiovascular, Diabetes, and Metabolic Disorders Research Center – Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• Cardiovascular Research Center – Massachusetts General Hospital
• Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center (CIRC) – Massachusetts General Hospital

This deep bench of collaborative, translational research ensures that every patient we see at our more than 40 heart and vascular care locations benefits from the most advanced therapies available.

Read more about heart and vascular research at Mass General

Read more about heart and vascular research at Brigham & Women’s

Mass General Brigham offers premier training programs in cardiovascular medicine and surgery. Our fellowships and residencies in cardiology, cardiac surgery, vascular medicine, and imaging attract top talent from around the globe, with past representation from more than 20 countries.

• We offer 27 fellowship programs across cardiology, cardiac surgery, vascular medicine, imaging, and subspecialties.
• Our programs host 163 fellows, training in both clinical care and research.

Some of our signature fellowship offerings include:

• Adult Congenital Heart Disease and Pulmonary Hypertension Fellowship Program
• Mass General Brigham Complex and High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Fellowships

We are New England’s largest private employer, and our robust continuing education and professional development offerings help our clinicians and students stay at the forefront of a dynamic and rapidly evolving field.

We foster an academic environment that blends rigorous training with compassionate care — an approach that has made us a global magnet for top talent for many decades.

The Heart and Vascular Institute is part of an integrated network of care that connects five academic medical centers with multiple community hospitals and practices. Together, our teams deliver comprehensive, coordinated cardiovascular care across the full spectrum—from routine management to the most complex interventions. This systemwide approach guarantees that patients benefit from world-class expertise closer to where they live and work.

As part of Mass General Brigham, providers and patients benefit from seamless collaboration across locations and specialties. Shared electronic health records, dedicated care navigators, and digital tools like Epic and patient-facing apps make it easier to coordinate care, track progress, and stay connected throughout every step of the patient journey.

Providers are also able to offer their patients cutting-edge clinical trials and emerging therapies because new treatments are continually being researched, developed, and tested across our hospitals and research centers, offering early access to medicine not yet available elsewhere.

The Institute’s reach extends beyond direct patient care. Through education, outreach, and systemwide initiatives, we partner with local programs and organizations to advance equity, prevention, and heart and vascular health for the broader community.

These are a sampling of the community programs that exemplify our systemwide commitment to equity and education in heart and vascular health:

• Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s South Asian Heart and Vascular Community Health Program: This program provides culturally responsive education and cardiovascular screenings to address the higher risk of heart disease among South Asian populations. It includes nutrition support, lifestyle guidance, and clinical follow-up. 
• Wentworth-Douglass Hospital’s Women’s Heart Health Program: Designed specifically for women, this program promotes early detection and treatment through education, lifestyle coaching, and individualized care. It addresses the unique risk factors and often overlooked symptoms of heart and vascular disease in women.
• Salem Hospital’s Community Heart Failure Clinic: This clinic offers accessible care for people living with heart failure, offering routine monitoring, medication management, and education to help reduce hospital readmissions and improve quality of life.