Investigating heart disease risk factors in diverse communities

THE ATHEROSCLEROSIS RISK IN COMMUNITIES (ARIC) STUDY - COORDINATING CENTER - TASK AREA B.2 AND B.3

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11292917

This study is looking at what causes atherosclerosis, a condition that can lead to heart disease, by gathering health information from middle-aged adults in four U.S. communities to help us better understand how to prevent heart problems in the future.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11292917 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the risk factors and progression of atherosclerosis, a condition that can lead to heart disease, by analyzing data from a large cohort of participants across four U.S. communities. The study involves ongoing clinical exams and surveillance of heart-related events, allowing researchers to track changes in health over time. Participants, primarily middle-aged white and African American adults, will contribute to identifying genetic and environmental influences on heart health. The findings aim to enhance knowledge about heart disease and improve prevention strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include middle-aged adults, particularly those aged 45-64 years, from diverse racial backgrounds, especially African American individuals.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 45 years or do not have a history of cardiovascular issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for heart disease, particularly in diverse populations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies on atherosclerosis and heart disease risk factors have shown significant success, indicating that this approach is grounded in established research.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.