Aspirin, Lp(a), and Preventing Heart Problems
Official title: Aspirin, Lp(a) and Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11131256 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores if aspirin can help prevent heart and blood vessel problems in people with high levels of a specific fat particle called Lp(a), especially those with type 2 diabetes.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $774,023 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL170224-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131256 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This work is relevant to adults, especially those aged 65 and older, and individuals with type 2 diabetes who have elevated Lp(a) levels.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with low Lp(a) levels or those for whom aspirin is not recommended due to other health conditions may not directly benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
Many people have high levels of Lp(a), a genetic factor that increases the risk of heart disease. Currently, there are no approved medicines specifically for high Lp(a). This project looks at existing data from two large health studies, ASPREE and ASCEND, to see if aspirin might be beneficial for individuals with high Lp(a), particularly older adults and those with type 2 diabetes. We want to understand if aspirin changes the risk of heart events differently in people with high Lp(a) compared to those with lower levels.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors decide if aspirin is a good preventive treatment for individuals with high Lp(a) and a higher risk of heart disease.
How similar studies have gone: This project re-examines data from large, established clinical trials (ASPREE and ASCEND) that have already provided significant insights into aspirin's effects.
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How air pollution affects recurrent heart events in older adults
This grant explores how air pollution, especially PM2.5, influences the recurrence and progression of heart problems in people aged 65 and older.
-
Complete reproductive history and its link to maternal death and serious heart problems
A study using birth and health records to understand how a woman’s pregnancy history may relate to serious heart and maternal health outcomes later in life.
-
Aspirin, Lp(a), and heart-health in adults over 65 with diabetes
A heart-healthy question for older adults with diabetes: does aspirin help prevent first cardiovascular events in people with high Lp(a) levels?
-
Bayesian modeling to understand recurring heart problems in older adults with cancer
A new statistical approach will help identify and predict repeated cardiovascular problems in older cancer patients treated with immune therapies.
-
SKNA as a biomarker to guide heart and brain health
A biomarker from skin nerve signals (SKNA) could help predict brain recovery after cardiac arrest and identify those at risk for atrial fibrillation recurrence after ablation.
-
Molecular clues to heart risk and resilience in chronic coronary artery disease
Researchers will look at molecular markers to better predict heart attack risk and resilience in people with chronic CAD, using advanced data from large heart disease studies.
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.