Gerald Fletcher, M.D.

Over time, the research interests of Gerald Fletcher, M.D., have been in the benefits of regular exercise in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, including heart failure.

Most recently, Dr. Fletcher and his colleagues have been involved in gene research to determine how known gene types that correlate with coronary artery disease respond to an acute exercise stress with a treadmill test. The genes are evaluated with a simple venous blood sample. Soon, they will begin a trial to evaluate the effects of regular exercise in preventing/delaying certain types of dementia.

Focus areas

• Research in the areas mentioned above
• Teaching students, residents, fellows and the lay public
• Writing for science journals and lay publications
• Speaking with the media for both Mayo Clinic and the American Heart Association about the aforementioned topics

Significance to patient care

Dr. Fletcher's gene research may have a very bright future as a simple blood test to use in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

Professional highlights

• Recent Chair, Council on Clinical Cardiology, American Heart Association
• National Distinguished Achievement Award, American Heart Association
• Award of Clinical Excellence, American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
• Regular Speaker/Moderator, Annual Meetings of the World Congress of Cardiology, American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology