Research

Cardiology Research

Cardiovascular disease is currently the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Clinical cardiovascular research focuses on achieving a greater understanding of normal structure and function, and development of the cardiovascular disease process. By investigating the mechanisms of various types of cardiovascular disease and developing new treatments, researchers at the Medical College of Georgia are working to change the statistic.

Areas of clinical research include:

• Clinical Trials and Investigator-initiated Clinical Research
• Translational Research involves moving knowledge gained in a laboratory to its application in clinical and community settings.  As we cooperate with the Georgia Prevention Institute, our strength is in our research. 

• The Division has a robust basic cardiovascular research program housed in the Vascular Biology Center and funded primarily through the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association.  Areas of emphasis include vascular biology, stem cell biology, free radical biology/oxidative stress, hypertension and obesity/metabolic disease.
  
  Dr. Robinson is heavily involved in clinical research at the Medical College of Georgia. He is currently investigating the potential of high dose intravenous N-acetylcysteine to prevent postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass and/or valve surgery. Dr. Robinson is also leading a study quantifying the vascular and cognitive effects of alpha-lipoic acid on older adults through flow-mediated dilation and the Cambridge Cognitive Examination, respectively.

Vascular Biology Center

All vascular research is conducted in the Vascular Biology Center (VBC) where laboratories, offices, researchers and common equipment are located on the third floor of the Sanders R&E Building.