The "Cardiovascular, Metabolism, and Nutrition" research program focuses on addressing cardiovascular (CVD) and metabolic diseases, which represent the leading cause of mortality in industrialized countries and a significant burden on health systems. CVDs, led by ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease, also significantly affect developing countries, contributing to the largest number of years of life lost globally.
Despite advances in the detection and management of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and improved healthcare, projections indicate that the prevalence of these diseases will continue to increase, largely due to the aging of the population. In Spain, these pathologies account for almost 40% of deaths, representing a considerable economic and social burden. Although a decline in age-adjusted mortality has been observed since the XNUMXs, the absolute number of deaths and the demand for hospital resources continue to rise, reinforcing the need for innovative prevention and treatment strategies.
In the Autonomous Community of Aragon, the impact of CVD reflects the national situation. The combination of demographic aging and current lifestyle patterns underscores the urgency of research in these areas to improve citizens' quality of life and life expectancy. This program integrates basic, clinical, and translational research, with a multidisciplinary approach that ranges from the study of biomarkers and advanced diagnostic tools to the personalization of treatments and prevention strategies.
The program also explores the links between nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular health. Factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and metabolic diseases are closely linked to CVD, making the development of integrated solutions crucial. Furthermore, the impact of perinatal nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits on the prevention of long-term chronic diseases is positioned as a strategic focus of this project.
Through close collaboration between hospitals, universities, and national and international networks, the program seeks not only to generate high-impact scientific knowledge but also to transfer these innovations to the National Health System (NHS). This includes the design of biomarker-based diagnostic tools, the implementation of advanced therapies, and the optimization of clinical processes, thus contributing to the sustainability and equity of the health system.
The program coordinator is Dr. Jorge Rúbio Gracia
As to its healthcare experience, Dr. Rubio has held various positions such as UGLY of Internal Medicine in the following hospitals:
• 2018-2019Ernest Lluch Hospital in Calatayud
• 2019-2021: Lozano Blesa University Clinical Hospital in Zaragoza (with a post-FSE intramural scholarship from the IIS Aragón)
• 2021-2022Ernest Lluch Hospital in Calatayud
• 2022-present: Permanent professor linked to the Internal Medicine service of the Lozano Blesa University Clinical Hospital in Zaragoza.
In the field Researcher, Dr. Rubio has been resident researcher at the Heart Failure Research Group (GIIS-043) since 2014. In addition, he is an active member of the Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation working groups and Heart and Kidney Failure (Cardio-Renal) of the Spanish Society of Internal MedicineSince 2022, he has held the position of principal investigator from the heart failure research group GIIS-043 of the IIS Aragón.
Among the most relevant research projects he has directed or participated in are:
• IAP (Intra-abdominal Pressure) study: Prospective, single-center study in patients with decompensated heart failure. The study analyzed the influence of intra-abdominal pressure on disease prognosis and its relationship with other congestion markers. This project was funded by FEMI.
• ECO-COVID StudyProspective, single-center study of patients hospitalized with acute COVID-19 infection during the second and third waves of the pandemic. The study evaluated the use of lung ultrasound and blood biomarkers to identify high-risk patients, thus enabling early therapeutic intervention. This project was funded by the IIS Aragón.
• CARDIO-REN Registry: Prospective multicenter registry conducted in patients with chronic heart failure treated at tertiary care hospitals in Spain. This registry is supported by the Cardiorenal Pathology Working Group of the Spanish Society of Cardiology.
• ABDOPOCUS-HF Clinical TrialA single-blind, randomized, multicenter clinical trial aimed at analyzing the usefulness of intra-abdominal pressure in adjusting diuretic therapy in patients admitted for acute heart failure. This project is supported by an R&D&I grant from the Carlos III Health Institute and sponsored by the Aragón Health Research Institute.
Dr. Rubio has published 48 articles in JCR-indexed journals, more than 300 appointments or with a H-index of 7. Besides, his ResearchGate interest score is 245.7, with 516 citations or with a H-index of 9.
He has received various awards throughout his career, including the Award for the best doctoral thesis of the 2019-2020 academic year awarded by the Royal Academy of Medicine of Zaragoza, as well as the “Dr. Jaime Merino Young Internist Award 2021” of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine. In addition, he has been awarded the Recognition of research sections by the ACPUA.
Associated Groups
GIISA031