The first organ system that assembles during embryonic development is the heart, blood and vessels, which work in unison to deliver oxygen and nutrients and dispose of waste in the growing embryo. The system’s function and importance remain essential from the first heartbeat until the last breath. If cardiovascular function goes awry, lives are in danger.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in the world. According to the World Health Organization, CVDs led to one third of all global deaths in 2019, affecting mostly low- and middle-income countries. Although genetics contributes substantially to the development of CVD, behavior and habits related to diet, exercise, sleep and substance misuse are important risk factors. Reducing preventable deaths by decreasing risk factors through the introduction of public health policies, regulations and programs is a priority across the globe.

Cardiovascular and blood diseases are broad terms that describe a number of conditions affecting the heart, vessels and blood that differ in their etiology and the biochemical, molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in their pathogenesis. Understanding these mechanisms is paramount to identifying the means and tools with which to prevent, detect, diagnose and cure cardiovascular and blood diseases. Our flagship journal Nature, as well as some sister Nature journals, have published seminal works in cardiovascular and blood biology over the years. However, recent technological, conceptual and socioeconomic advances, together with the intensified need for breakthroughs in cardiovascular and blood research, have inspired us to launch a new journal that will not only specifically serve but also help shape a community of scientists with different backgrounds and a common interest in cardiology, vascular and blood health.

Thus, the scope of Nature Cardiovascular Research is wide and unique within the current publishing landscape. The journal is dedicated to publishing original and important advances in hematology and cardiovascular biology, covering fundamental, translational, clinical and public health research. Our aim is to generate a unifying platform that will bring together researchers of different backgrounds but with a mutual interest in heart, vessel and blood biology. Such scientists rarely communicate, or attend the same scientific conferences, or write joint program grants. By publishing thought-provoking, conceptually original and inspiring works from this motley scientific pool, we hope to facilitate their intellectual exchange and promote synergism that will result in faster advances in knowledge, and translation of this knowledge into the clinic to improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of CVDs and to inform policymakers.

The Nature Cardiovascular Research editors will strive to make each step in a manuscript’s processing, from manuscript assessment through to peer review and decision-making, efficient and clear, both to our authors and to our referees. This will be possible only if we work jointly, respectfully and in synchrony with our audience: our authors, referees and readers.

Our first issue captures the essence of what Nature Cardiovascular Research aims to become — a platform that champions fantastic scientific advances and celebrates the diversity of cardiovascular and blood science. We thank our authors and referees and our terrific internal support team who have made this first issue possible. We are delighted to inaugurate Nature Cardiovascular Research, and we look forward to working and collaborating with the cardiovascular and hematology communities in the years to come.