Geriatric Cardiology Center

The Forman Geriatric Cardiology Center conducts pioneering, NIH- and NIA-funded research focused on understanding and improving cardiovascular health in older adults. Investigators study the cellular and physiological mechanisms that contribute to cardiovascular disease with aging, including the role of mitochondrial energetics, skeletal muscle metabolism, and multimorbidity. Translational studies are advancing novel strategies, such as the use of nitrites to enhance muscle bioenergetics and physical function, to optimize cardiovascular therapeutics for older adults with complex health profiles, including frailty, sarcopenia, and cognitive impairment.

The Center is also leading innovative approaches to cardiac rehabilitation tailored to the needs of older patients. Ongoing studies such as NO-Frail, MACRO (Modified Application of Cardiac Rehabilitation for Older Adults), PREVENTABLE (Pragmatic Evaluation of Events and Benefits of Lipid-Lowering in Older Adults), and MOBILE-IC (Metformin Benefits Lower Extremities with Intermittent Claudication) are designed to improve physical function, participation in rehabilitation, and quality of life for aging adults with cardiovascular disease.

The Center’s research capabilities were recently enhanced by the addition of a Med Graphics Ultima Series Exercise Testing Cart, enabling comprehensive cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and pulmonary function testing (PFT) using advanced metabolic and ECG monitoring systems. These resources support the Center’s multidisciplinary team, led by Daniel Forman, MD, with Tara Stakich, RN, Cody Wolf, MS, and Vanessa Legeza, BS, and collaborative partnerships across University and VA laboratories to integrate clinical, functional, and molecular data in pursuit of healthier aging through cardiovascular innovation.

Installed in 2023, the Med Graphics Ultima Series Exercise Testing Cart enables advanced cardiopulmonary exercise and pulmonary function testing with integrated ECG and metabolic monitoring.