How metabolism affects heart failure risk in South Asian adults
Metabolic effects and mechanisms for heart failure in South Asians
This project looks at metabolic and body‑fat differences in South Asian adults to find early signs linked to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11393471 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I am a South Asian adult, this project follows people in the MASALA cohort over time and uses detailed metabolic tests and body‑fat imaging to look for early heart failure changes. Researchers will measure blood metabolic markers, ectopic fat in the liver, muscle, and around abdominal organs, and repeat heart structure and function tests in about 850 participants. They will compare these results with other ethnic groups through links to the MESA study to spot patterns that are specific to South Asians. The aim is to connect specific metabolic features to early stages of HFpEF so future prevention or tailored treatments can be developed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults of South Asian ancestry (21 years and older), especially those with diabetes, abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular risk factors, are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are not of South Asian ancestry or those with advanced heart failure caused by reduced ejection fraction may not directly benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help detect heart failure risk earlier in South Asian adults and guide more personalized prevention or treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous cohort studies like MASALA and MESA have successfully linked metabolic and fat‑distribution patterns to cardiovascular risk, but HFpEF treatments remain limited so this builds on observational findings rather than testing an established therapy.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kanaya, Alka M. — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Kanaya, Alka M.
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 below.