Prof. Dr. med. Ingo Hilgendorf

Prof. Dr. med. Ingo Hilgendorf is a distinguished interventional cardiologist and scientist who currently serves as the Director of the Clinic for Cardiology, Angiology, and Intensive Care Medicine at the German Heart Center Charité (DHZC) in Berlin. His clinical practice is defined by high-level expertise in complex coronary interventions, including transfemoral aortic valve implantations (TAVI) and the management of advanced heart failure. Professor Hilgendorf is widely recognized for his ability to bridge the gap between acute bedside care and long-term preventive strategies, particularly for high-risk patients with metabolic disorders like diabetes and severe dyslipidemia. His leadership at one of Europe’s most prestigious heart centers emphasizes a patient-centered approach that integrates the latest technological advancements in interventional cardiology with holistic cardiovascular risk management. As a leading figure in the emerging field of immunocardiology, Professor Hilgendorf’s research focuses on the immune system's pivotal role in heart and vascular diseases. His scientific work, much of it developed during his time at Harvard Medical School and later as a Heisenberg Professor in Freiburg, investigates how inflammatory cells drive the progression of atherosclerosis and influence the healing process following a myocardial infarction. He is particularly interested in clonal hematopoiesis—a phenomenon where mutated blood cells increase the risk of cardiovascular events—and is working to develop novel immunomodulatory therapies to stabilize arterial plaques. Through his extensive involvement in international clinical trials and his role in shaping national guidelines for lipid therapy, Professor Hilgendorf is actively redefining how physicians detect and treat the hidden inflammatory drivers of heart disease.