Cardioinformatics: the nexus of bioinformatics and precision cardiology

Area of Science:

• Bioinformatics
• Computational Biology
• Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading global cause of mortality.
• Bioinformatics and computational biology research funding disproportionately favors cancer over CVD.
• Significant unmet needs exist in applying computational approaches to cardiovascular medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current literature at the intersection of bioinformatics and cardiovascular disease.
• To assess the need for increased focus on computational methods in CVD research.
• To introduce and advocate for the development of 'cardioinformatics' as a distinct field.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of bioinformatics and computational biology research in CVD.
• Critical assessment of the current research landscape and funding priorities.
• Analysis of the potential for computational approaches in precision cardiovascular medicine.

Main Results:

• The current body of literature on bioinformatics for CVD is modest compared to cancer.
• There is a substantial gap in research and funding for computational approaches in CVD.
• The field of 'cardioinformatics' presents a significant opportunity for advancement.

Conclusions:

• Increased bioinformatics and computational biology efforts are crucial for addressing the global burden of CVD.
• Establishing 'cardioinformatics' can accelerate progress in precision cardiovascular medicine.
• Further investment and research are needed to develop this multidisciplinary field.