Investigating heart artery calcification and cholesterol movement in older adults
Cardiac Calcification and Cholesterol Efflux in Older Adults
This study is looking at how calcium buildup in the heart and arteries affects older people, especially those who live to be 100 or more and their children, to see how it relates to heart health and cholesterol levels, with the hope of finding ways to help everyone live longer and healthier lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10762401 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how calcification in the coronary arteries and aortic valve affects older adults, particularly centenarians and their offspring who show lower rates of cardiovascular disease. The study aims to explore the relationship between cholesterol efflux, which is the process of cholesterol moving from heart tissues into the bloodstream, and the risk of heart-related issues like heart attacks and strokes. By using advanced imaging techniques like computed tomography (CT) to measure calcification and studying genetic factors, the research seeks to identify protective mechanisms that contribute to longevity and heart health in older populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, particularly those with a family history of exceptional longevity or cardiovascular health.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 21 or do not have a family history of longevity may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing cardiovascular diseases in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between cholesterol efflux and cardiovascular health, making this study a continuation of established findings.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bortnick, Anna E — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Bortnick, Anna E
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.