Investigating aortic valve calcium and its risks in older adults
Official title: Aortic Valve Calcium Prevalence, Long-term Risk Factors, and progression to Severe Aortic Stenosis Among Persons >75 Years Old
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11045115 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how common aortic valve calcification is in people aged 75 and older and how it might lead to serious heart problems, with the goal of finding ways to help those at higher risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $116,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HL172138-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045115 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 75 and older who may be at risk for aortic valve calcification and severe aortic stenosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients younger than 75 years or those without risk factors for aortic valve disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the prevalence and progression of aortic valve calcification (AVC) and its link to severe aortic stenosis (AS) in individuals aged 75 and older. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques and analyzing risk factors, the study aims to identify older patients who are at high risk for developing severe AS. The findings could lead to the development of preventive strategies and risk assessment tools tailored for this age group. The research builds on previous studies that suggest certain treatments may lower the risk of severe AS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved identification and prevention strategies for severe aortic stenosis in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in identifying risk factors for severe aortic stenosis, suggesting that this research could build on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whelton, Seamus Paul — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Whelton, Seamus Paul
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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.