Cardiovascular health remains a leading global health concern. Most cardiovascular diseases are preventable, however, approximately 19.8 million people died from cardiovascular disease in 2022, representing more than 30% of all global deaths. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 50% of American adults have some form of cardiovascular disease, increasing to nearly 60% for non-Hispanic blacks.
Cardiovascular disease and stroke combined are the leading cause of mortality in the United States and claim more lives each year than all forms of cancer. In the Washington DC region, cardiovascular disease mirrors national trends as a major public health issue, disproportionately affecting underserved communities due to factors like limited access to healthcare, high rates of hypertension, and socioeconomic disparities.
Established in 2001 as a specialized academic institute within the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, the George Washington University Heart & Vascular Institute has spent nearly two decades leading efforts to improve cardiovascular health for all — both locally and globally.
Our Work
Headquartered at the GW Medical Faculty Associates in Washington, D.C., the Institute brings together the clinical expertise of MFA and the academic excellence of the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences—creating a powerful foundation for progress in improved cardiovascular health for all.
Our work is driven by a set of core values - excellence, compassion, collaboration, and equity - that reflect our unwavering commitment to improved cardiovascular health for all.
The Institute advances its mission through three core pillars:
Community Service & Health Equity
Expanding access to care and addressing disparities in cardiovascular health.
Research & Clinical Innovation
Advancing groundbreaking science and translating discoveries into better patient outcomes.
Education & Professional Development
Training the next generation of cardiovascular leaders through world-class instruction and mentorship.
