Cardiovascular Health Improvement Project (CHIP)

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The goal of the Cardiovascular Health Improvement Project (CHIP) is to learn more about individuals with aortic diseases and other cardiovascular-related conditions through collecting and analyzing blood and clinical data from patients.

By doing this, we can learn more about the genetics behind  CVD, help clinicians provide the best care for their patients, and lower the incidence of CVD.

What is CHIP ? 

CHIP is a collection (or “biorepository”) of DNA, plasma, serum, and aortic tissue samples as well as an extensive clinical database of medical and family history information.

Our Patient Population

CHIP has over 6000 participants and over 4000 tissue samples.  Our biorepository began enrolling patients in the Fall of 2013, and has helped researchers learn more about different types of cardiovascular diseases. 

We are currently enrolling patients who have one or more of the following diagnoses or demographics:

  • Aortic disease
  • Connective tissue disorders
  • Bicuspid aortic valve
  • Heart Failure

Mission Statement

To create a biorepository aiming to elucidate genetic and environmental causes of cardiovascular disease through the collection of DNA, plasma, serum, family history information as well as clinical and epidemiological outcomes.

Vision

Facilitate scientific discovery by providing faculty and researchers with biospecimen and clinical data from our established biorepository and comprehensive clinical database.

The CHIP Study Team

For information about the study team, visit the CHIP Study Team page.

Participate in the Cardiovascular Health Improvement Project

We enroll patients from various clinics within the UMHS Frankel Cardiovascular Center, as well as via referral to our facility. To learn more about how you can participate in the CHIP study, call us at 734-232-4779 or visit our CHIP Participants FAQ page.