National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) leads a global research, training, and education program focused on preventing and treating heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders. It funds grants, conducts clinical trials, and fosters intramural research, driving scientific understanding and developing innovative strategies to enhance human health.

Established by the U.S. Congress on June 16, 1948, the NHLBI emerged from national recognition of the pervasive health burdens associated with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematologic conditions. This legislative action provided the framework to systematically investigate these critical areas, laying groundwork for sustained scientific inquiry into disease mechanisms and therapeutic advancements.

The institute’s work benefits the biomedical community, healthcare professionals, and patients who gain from improved diagnostic tools and treatments. NHLBI’s vision is to translate foundational scientific discoveries into tangible health benefits, striving to reduce disease incidence and improve the overall well-being and longevity of populations worldwide.