Vascular Health Unit: A Translational Research Lab

Welcome to the Vascular Health Unit, a research lab dedicated to the identification of early markers of vascular impairment and maintenance of vascular health. Led by Dr. Stella S. Daskalopoulou and located at the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, our team focuses on cardiometabolic diseases, sex differences in cardiovascular diseases (CVD), women's health across the lifespan, and vascular disease prevention.

About the Vascular Health Unit lab

At the Vascular Health Unit, we are dedicated to conducting cutting-edge translational research in the field of vascular health. Our team is composed of world-renowned researchers and clinicians who are committed to improving the health of individuals affected by cardiovascular diseases. We believe that early detection of vascular impairment and the maintenance of vascular health are crucial for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Our research focuses on cardiometabolic diseases, sex differences in cardiovascular diseases (CVD), women's health across the lifespan, and vascular disease prevention. We are also committed to training the next generation of researchers in the field of vascular health. Join us in our mission to improve the health of individuals affected by cardiovascular diseases.

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News & Events

Dr. Daskalopoulou Wins A $1.2+ M CIHR Grant!

Ioanna Defends Her PhD Dissertation!

Jae Goes on An Award Spree!

Latest Publications

Arterial stiffness as a novel tool for the early prediction of preeclampsia: a perspective

Mekayla Forrest, Maria Matossian, Brenda Valdes Sustaita, Helena Papacostas Quintanilla, Bart Spronck, James Sharman & Stella S. Daskalopoulou

Preeclampsia is a leading complication of pregnancy that lacks accurate tools for its early prediction. Improved risk stratification tools early in pregnancy would enable more efficient allocation of limited healthcare resources while ensuring that pregnant women destined to develop preeclampsia receive appropriate care. This brief perspective highlights the current state of first-trimester preeclampsia prediction. We focus on arterial stiffness, an important hemodynamic indicator of vascular health that has shown promising results for improved early prediction of preeclampsia by our and independent research groups. Further, we outline the promise, applicability, and feasibility of integrating arterial stiffness assessments into clinical practice.