Introduction

    Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the biggest threats to human health. The 2017 report on CVD in China suggests a rising trajectory in both prevalence and mortality associated with this disease. It estimates that CVD is prevalent in 290 million people, and is the biggest killer in the Chinese population, accounting for over 40% of all deaths. The risk factors of CVD, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, can cause progressive vascular damage, leading to cardiovascular events of high mortality and morbidity, such as stroke, coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, heart failure, pulmonary vascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and peripheral arterial disease. It is therefore of critical importance to have prompt, effective, and comprehensive assessment of vascular health and pathogenesis.

Established in June 18, 2008, the PUCRI is China’s first university-affiliated academic institution devoted to clinical research-related education, research, services, training, organizational coordination, technical support, and policy development. It is home to the Center of Excellence for Regulatory Sciences under the Peking University APEC Health Science Academy. It is committed to advancing clinical research in China and safeguarding human health through technical support and personnel training.

    After much deliberation, the PUCRI reached agreement with the Vascular Center of Peking University Shougang Hospital in establishing the PUCRI Research Center for Heart and Vascular Health. The new facility joins the methodological strengths of the PUCRI and the clinical resources of the Vascular Center, and is capable of conducting internationally leading clinical research in vascular health.

    In June 22, 2019, the facility was inaugurated during the opening ceremony of the 16th Chinese International Congress of Vascular Medicine.