Amir Lerman, M.D.

Location

SUMMARY

The research interests of Amir Lerman, M.D., are centered on coronary physiology and the role of the endothelium in regulating coronary vascular tone. Dr. Lerman and colleagues use state-of-the-art technology, including intracoronary Doppler, intracoronary pressure assessment and intravascular ultrasound. Research is carried out in the Center for Coronary Physiology and Imaging, part of Mayo Clinic's Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, which is dedicated to collecting and analyzing data.

Focus areas

• Clinical studies. Clinical research in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory focuses on patients with early coronary atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction.
• Animal studies. Work focuses on the role of the endothelium and endothelial-derived factors with emphasis on endothelin and nitric oxide as modulators of coronary vascular tone.
• In vitro studies. Research in this area includes large-vessel and microvessel organ baths and immunohistochemical studies for in-depth investigation of the role of the endothelium in cardiovascular diseases.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Lerman's research goal is to increase the understanding of how the heart functions, with the long-term aim of translating this knowledge into new strategies to prevent and treat heart disease.

Professional highlights

• Director, basic science research, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, 1998-present.
• Distinguished Investigator Award, Mayo Clinic, 2024.
• Team Science Award, Artificial Intelligence Electrocardiogram team, Mayo Clinic, 2023.
• Barbara Woodward Lips Professor III, 2017.
• Outstanding Investigator Award — cardiovascular research, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, 2014.