Improving risk assessment for heart disease
Official title: Optimize Risk Assessment for Incident and Recurrent Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10884400 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to improve how we figure out who is at risk for heart disease by considering important social factors and other details that are often missed, especially for people from minority groups, so we can better decide when to start or change cholesterol-lowering treatments like statins.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $657,138 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL155081-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884400 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, especially those from minority groups or with social determinants of health that may affect their risk.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or those who do not meet the age and demographic criteria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the assessment of risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) by integrating social determinants of health and other risk-enhancing factors that are currently overlooked in existing guidelines. The study aims to refine the decision-making process for initiating and adjusting lipid-lowering therapies, such as statins, by providing a more accurate risk evaluation for individuals, particularly those from minority groups. By analyzing data and algorithms, the research seeks to identify patients who would benefit most from these therapies, ultimately aiming to reduce heart disease risk more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies for preventing heart disease, particularly for underserved populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that incorporating social determinants of health into risk assessments can improve outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Yiyi — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Yiyi
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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.