Vlad C. Vasile, M.D., Ph.D.

Vlad C. Vasile, M.D., Ph.D., is a consultant preventive cardiologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he cares for people in Rochester and surrounding areas. Dr. Vasile is an associate professor of medicine and assistant professor of laboratory medicine with board certification in cardiovascular diseases and internal medicine. He also serves as medical director of the Cardiovascular Health Clinic and Practice Chair of the Division of Preventive Cardiology. His clinical work focuses on cardiovascular disease prevention and risk factor management, integrating precision diagnostics with advanced lipid and biomarker assessment to guide individualized care.

Dr. Vasile is co‑director of the Clinical Specialty Laboratory within the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. His research centers on developing and validating novel cardiovascular biomarkers to improve early detection and prevention of heart disease.

Areas of expertise

Dr. Vasile provides comprehensive, evidence‑based care to help individuals prevent and manage cardiovascular disease through targeted diagnosis, testing and treatment.

• Coronary artery disease: Prevention, risk assessment and management to reduce future cardiac events.
• Acute coronary syndrome: Early identification and prevention strategies for people at high cardiovascular risk.
• Dyslipidemia and elevated lipoprotein(a): Evaluation and management of complex lipid disorders to optimize cardiovascular health.
• Familial hypercholesterolemia: Genetic lipid disorder diagnosis and treatment for individuals and families.
• Premature atherosclerosis: Identification and treatment of individuals with early or accelerated plaque development to prevent future cardiovascular events.
• Statin intolerance: Development of tailored approaches for patients unable to tolerate standard lipid‑lowering therapy.
• Cardiovascular biomarker evaluation: Use of ceramides, lipoprotein(a) and emerging biomarkers to refine cardiovascular risk stratification.

Research and expertise

Dr. Vasile's research explores innovative biomarkers of cardiovascular risk, including lipoprotein(a) and ceramides, with the goal of translating laboratory discoveries into clinical practice. He completed his residency in internal medicine and fellowship in cardiovascular disease at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. He is recognized with the 2023 Scholarly Clinician Program Award from Mayo Clinic's Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and leads the Precision Prevention Across Lifespan Group within Preventive Cardiology.

Personal note

"The greatest opportunity in cardiovascular medicine is to prevent disease before it begins. My approach to preventive cardiology integrates advanced cardiovascular risk assessment, personalized evidence‑based strategies, and novel clinical approaches to prevent disease and improve long‑term outcomes. I translate emerging scientific discoveries into individualized care that identifies risk early, preserves cardiovascular health, and promotes longevity. Through a commitment to clinical excellence and continuous advancement, my goal is to help patients live longer, healthier lives."

Outside of medicine, Dr. Vasile enjoys traveling and exploring new places, cultures and perspectives. Travel inspires him to stay active, embrace balance and appreciate the many dimensions of a healthy life — principles he carries into both his personal life and his care for patients.