Cardiovascular research has been a major strength of the Leicester Medical School since its inception. This was confirmed by the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. The Department of Cardiovascular Sciences has strong links with the NHS and an excellent record in student training. The quality of the cardiovascular research undertaken in Leicester has been further recognised recently by the award of a National Institute of National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Unit in Cardiovascular Disease.

The Department has more than 160 staff and postgraduate students, including over 40 academic staff and is part of the College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology. The Department is led by Professor Nilesh Samani, BSc MD FRCP FACC FMedSci (Deputy: Professor Thompson G Robinson, B Med Sci BM BS MD FRCP) and managed by an Executive Committee. Sue Ackermann is Departmental Manager.

The Department hosts a British Heart Foundation Chair of Cardiology.