Instructions for Authors

Instructions for Authors

Heart and Circulation Research (HCR) is an international, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing knowledge in cardiology and cardiovascular sciences. Authors are invited to submit high-quality manuscripts that contribute to clinical practice, research, and education in cardiovascular medicine.

I. Submission Process

Manuscripts should be submitted as a Microsoft Office Word (DOC) file electronically via the Editorial Office’s email.

A cover letter must accompany the submission, summarizing the manuscript’s importance and confirming that it has not been published or submitted elsewhere.

II. Manuscript Types

1. Original Research Articles

Original Research Articles present new findings from basic, translational, or clinical studies in cardiovascular medicine. Manuscripts should be concise but thorough, clearly outlining study objectives, methodology, results, and conclusions.

• Word limit: ≤5,000 words (excluding title page, abstract, tables, and references)

• Abstract: ≤300 words, structured under the headings Background, Methods, Results, and Conclusions

• Keywords: Up to 5 terms selected from the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) list

• References: ≤50

• Figures and tables: ≤8

2. Review Articles

Review Articles provide a scholarly synthesis of recent advances, ongoing debates, or emerging directions in cardiovascular science and clinical practice. Submissions should critically evaluate the literature and highlight future perspectives rather than merely summarizing existing knowledge.

• Word limit: ≤10,000 words (excluding title page, abstract, tables, and references)

• Abstract: Unstructured, ≤300 words

• Keywords: Up to 5 MeSH terms

• References: No formal limit, but authors are encouraged to cite selectively and with balance

• Figures and tables: ≤8

3. Editorials

Editorials are concise, opinion-based pieces that discuss important issues, recent publications, or evolving themes in cardiovascular medicine. They should aim to stimulate discussion and provide context for current developments.

• Word limit: ≤ 1,500 words (including references and figure legends)

• Abstract: Not required

• References: ≤10

• Figures/Tables: ≤3 figures or 1 simple table

III. Language and Formatting

• Manuscripts must be written in clear, concise English. Authors whose first language is not English are strongly encouraged to have their work reviewed by a professional editing service prior to submission.

• All submissions should follow American English spelling and grammar conventions.

• Text must be prepared using Arial, 11-point font size, double spacing, and standard margins.

• The title page should include: article title, author names and affiliation, corresponding author (email address), Conflict of Interest Statement, Funding / Support Statement (if applicable).

• Headings should be organized hierarchically and consistently

• Abbreviations should be defined in full at first mention and used consistently thereafter.

• Figures and tables must be cited in the text in numerical order and submitted as separate files according to the journal’s guidelines.

• References should be formatted according to the Vancouver style and numbered consecutively in the order of appearance in the text.

IV. Ethics and Integrity

The journal adheres to internationally recognized standards of research integrity and publication ethics. Research involving human participants or animals must include an ethics approval statement, and any conflicts of interest and sources of financial support must be disclosed.

V. Peer Review and Editorial Process

All submissions undergo initial screening for scope, formatting, and ethical compliance. 

Manuscripts are evaluated through single-blind peer review by independent reviewer(s) and editorial decisions may be: accept, minor revision, major revision, or reject.

Authors are expected to revise and resubmit within the requested time frame.

VI. Publication Timeline

• Initial Screening: approximately 1–2 weeks 

• Peer Review: approximately 3–4 weeks 

• First Decision: approximately 4–6 weeks from submission 

• Revision Deadline: 2-3 weeks

• Final Decision: approximately 2–3 weeks after revision

• Online Publication: upon completion of editorial processing 

The above time frames are approximate and may vary depending on reviewer availability and manuscript complexity. 

VII. Open Access and Copyright

HCR is an open access journal. Articles are freely available online immediately upon publication. All published papers become the permanent property of HCR. Commercial reuse is permitted only with prior approval from the publisher. Users are otherwise free to share and adapt the content under the following terms: attribution and non-commercial use.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding manuscript submission or journal policies, please contact:

Editorial Office
Heart and Circulation Research
Email: HCR.editorialoffice@gmail.com