Aspirin, Lp(a), and heart-health in adults over 65 with diabetes
Official title: Aspirin, Lp(a) and Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11374993 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A heart-healthy question for older adults with diabetes: does aspirin help prevent first cardiovascular events in people with high Lp(a) levels?
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $743,816 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL170224-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11374993 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with type 2 diabetes, aged 65 and older, who have elevated Lp(a) levels or high OxPL-apoB.
✕Less likely to help
Adults without high Lp(a) or OxPL-apoB levels, or those outside the studied age range, may not see a benefit from aspirin in this context.
What this research studies
This project looks at whether aspirin can reduce the risk of a first heart or blood vessel event in older adults who have high Lp(a) and diabetes. Researchers will use data and participants from existing large studies to see if Lp(a) and OxPL-apoB levels change how well aspirin works for preventing heart disease in primary prevention. The plan includes analyzing results from elderly participants in the ASPREE trial and from people with type 2 diabetes to see if elevated Lp(a) identifies those who benefit more from aspirin. The study aims to provide clearer guidance for personalized prevention strategies in a high-risk group.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors tailor aspirin use to patients most likely to benefit, potentially reducing heart-attack risk in older adults with diabetes and high Lp(a).
How similar studies have gone: Results from previous large trials show mixed benefits of aspirin for primary prevention, highlighting the need to understand who might benefit based on Lp(a) levels.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsimikas, Sotirios — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Tsimikas, Sotirios
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.