SAN DIEGO - University of California regents gave UC San Diego approval today to begin planning the construction of a cardiovascular center facility and expand services at the university's Thornton Hospital.

The UCSD Cardiovascular Center Board has raised $30 million to build the center, which will centralize the university's clinical and research activities in heart and vascular disease and stroke management.

"Thanks to the generosity of our community friends, we are nearing the realization of our plans to provide advanced care and access to clinical trials in one state-of-the-art facility, where patients will have access to a full range of diagnostic and treatment options," said Edward W. Holmes, UCSD's vice chancellor for health sciences.

When completed, the Cardiovascular Center will include 16-20 examination rooms, related diagnostic and treatment services and office space.

Dr. Anthony DeMaria, a cardiologist and researcher who specializes in cardiac diagnostics and ultrasound, was appointed director of the UCSD Cardiovascular Center.

Thornton Hospital, which is nearing capacity, will also be expanded as part of the project, according to the university.

The hospital's emergency room will be expanded, and intensive care unit beds, cardiac catheterization labs and other procedure rooms will be added.

Completed plans for the full project will be presented to the UC Board of Regents within a year for final approval.