Cardiovascular Disease Research

At Lilly, we want to make new medicines that will allow people living with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and those at risk of developing them to live longer, healthier, and more active lives. Through clinical research we are looking to find potential treatments for many conditions including:

heart failure
high lipoprotein(a)
high cholesterol or triglyceride levels
CVD linked to type 2 diabetes, overweight and obesity

By taking part in a clinical research study, you can help to make a difference. Click here to view cardiovascular disease trials.

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About Our Research

Cardiovascular Research Areas

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About Our Research

Global Impact

We want to make life better for the millions of people around the world living with cardiovascular diseases and those at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
We carry out clinical research in more than 55 countries to make new medicines for people living with different medical conditions.

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Lilly's Commitment to Research

Lilly has a long history of making medicines for cardiovascular diseases and other heart and circulation problems.
Today, we are looking for more ways to make life better for people living with cardiovascular diseases around the world.

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Advancing Science Together

Making new medicines is only possible with the help of people in our community. This involves clinical trial participants, doctors, researchers, care partners and advocates. Together, we work to improve cardiovascular disease care for all. 

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Cardiovascular Research Areas

Some cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are caused by lifestyle factors, others are linked to genetics and inherited from parents. Some types of CVD may not have a clear cause, or they may have many different causes. Every year, CVDs are the leading cause of death worldwide. With clinical research, we can get more information about how different types of CVD start, become worse, and how we can potentially prevent and treat CVD. Below are some of the conditions that Lilly is currently carrying out clinical research studies for. Here you can view cardiovascular disease trials.

Heart Failure

Heart failure is also known as chronic or long-term heart failure. There are different types of heart failure.

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) The amount of blood the left ventricle (largest chamber of the heart) can squeeze out with each beat is reduced, and the heart muscle cannot contract or ‘squeeze’ properly.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) The amount of blood the left ventricle can squeeze out with each beat is normal, but the heart muscle cannot relax properly.

Abnormal Lipid or Cholesterol Levels

Abnormal lipid or cholesterol levels are also known as high triglycerides (TG), hypertriglyceridemia, dyslipidemia, or hyperlipidemia.

Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid), found in your blood. If levels are too high, it can increase your risk of heart disease.
Cholesterol is a fat found in your blood, attached to a protein.
- LDL and non-HDL cholesterol are known as ‘bad cholesterol’. If your levels are too high, it can block arteries and blood vessels. This can cause heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
- HDL cholesterol is known as ‘good cholesterol’ and can help prevent heart disease.

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Learning Center

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A Clinical Trial Experience from Many Angles

Meet someone who has worked in clinical research for over 10 years and has participated in a clinical trial. Here you can read about a unique perspective on clinical research

Clinical Trials: Striking a Chord

Becky shares her background living with high cholesterol due to genetic factors and her motivations for joining a clinical trial. Download video transcript.