Investigating heart health in African Caribbeans from Tobago
Epidemiology of Cardiac Structure and Function in African Caribbeans: The Tobago Heart Study
This study is looking at heart health in people from Tobago, especially focusing on how common certain heart conditions are and what factors, like high blood pressure and obesity, might contribute to them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10906256 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the structure and function of the heart in African Caribbean individuals, particularly those from Tobago. It utilizes echocardiography, a non-invasive imaging technique, to assess various aspects of heart health, including conditions like left ventricular hypertrophy and reduced ejection fraction. The study aims to identify the prevalence of cardiac abnormalities and their associated risk factors, such as hypertension and obesity, which are more common in this population. By analyzing extensive medical histories and cardiovascular measures, the research seeks to provide insights into the unique cardiovascular health challenges faced by African Caribbeans.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are African Caribbean individuals, particularly those from Tobago, who may be experiencing or at risk for cardiac abnormalities.
Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as African Caribbean or those without any cardiovascular risk factors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of heart health in African Caribbean populations, potentially reducing the risk of heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on cardiac health in African Americans, this research is novel as it specifically targets the African Caribbean population, which has not been extensively studied in this context.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miljkovic, Iva — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Miljkovic, Iva
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.