CVRI Scientists

Theodore W. Kurtz, M.D.
Professor of Laboratory Medicine

Research Interests:
Molecular genetics of complex disease, animal models of hypertension and the metabolic syndrome, transcription modulating drugs

Summary:
Hypertension (high blood pressure) affects 60 million people in the United States and is a major cause of stroke, kidney failure, and heart disease. Patients with hypertension are also at increased risk for diabetes and often have multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease in addition to increased blood pressure. Our research is designed to shed light on why hypertension and the associated risks for diabetes and cardiovascular disease run in families. The results of these genetic studies are used to guide development of new approaches to therapy and to identify new opportunities for preventing the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in high risk patients.