The American Heart Association presented its prestigious Research Achievement Award to Victor J. Dzau, M.D., of Duke University for "monumental contributions to knowledge of intricate disease processes affecting the heart and blood vessels, insightful discoveries that are positively impacting the health of millions."

Dzau received the award, a citation and $2,500 honorarium, during the opening of the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2010 at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago. Association President Ralph Sacco, M.D., of Miami made the presentation.

"For more than two decades, Dr. Victor Dzau has been at the vanguard of novel approaches to treating human disease. His discoveries of molecular and genetic mechanisms at work in cardiovascular pathologies have opened new and promising fields of research," Sacco said.

Dzau has defined the workings of the body's renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in cells in artery walls, crucial elements of blood pressure control, Sacco said. "His research paved the way for the contemporary paradigm of tissue angiotensin in cardiovascular disease and for the development of RAS inhibitors that have saved millions of lives."

The North Carolina scientist has pioneered gene therapy to prevent new artery blockages and bypass graft failure. And his discovery that genetically modified stem cells have versatile regenerative and restorative abilities has "enormous" potential for using stem cells or factors they release to perform lifesaving repair of damaged heart muscle, Sacco said.

Dzau who is James B. Duke Professor of Medicine, Director of the Mandel Center for Hypertension and Atherosclerosis Research, Chancellor for Health Affairs and President and CEO of Duke University Health System and Medical Center in Durham, N.C. He joined Duke in 2004 after service at Harvard Medical School and Stanford University.

Source:
American Heart Association