September 26, 2025- Cleveland Clinic is enhancing its heart care for older adults with the opening of a Cardiovascular Center on Aging in the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute. The new center integrates care from geriatric and cardiac specialists to better address the unique needs of older adults, aged 65 and above, living with cardiovascular disease.
Heart disease is the leading cause of illness and death, especially among older adults. As people age, their bodies go through changes that affect how diseases develop and how treatments work. These changes can vary among individuals depending on chronic health issues, genetics, lifestyle, and environment. Aging also causes specific changes in the heart and blood vessels, leading to different symptoms, disease progression, and responses to medications or procedures.
The new center utilizes an integrated approach including clinical care, research, and education. It focuses on patient-centered outcomes and addresses age-related risks, such as frailty, multiple health conditions, medication challenges and cognitive impairment, which can affect a patient’s treatment.