Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) are blood cancers caused by acquired mutations in cells of the bone marrow that give rise to blood cells (bone marrow progenitors). These mutations also cause excess inflammation in blood vessels and risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which are a large source of complications and mortality in patients with MDS. Dr. Adrianzen Herrera’s previous work has described that MDS patients have a high risk for CVD and death from CVD. His current project has two goals. First, he will develop and validate a clinical tool to predict risk of CVD in patients with MDS. Second, he will study biomarker changes in the blood in people with MDS. The ultimate goal is to understand why people with MDS develop CVD and how this can be prevented.