Investigating how epigenetics affects heart disease risk in African American women

Epigenetic biomarkers of cardiovascular risk in African American Women

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-10980105

This study is looking at how lifestyle and environment might affect heart health in African American women by examining changes in their DNA, and it hopes to find new ways to predict heart disease risk for this group.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10980105 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of epigenetics in cardiovascular risk specifically among African American women, a group significantly affected by heart disease. By analyzing DNA modifications that may reflect lifestyle and environmental influences, the study aims to identify biomarkers that could predict cardiovascular disease risk. Participants will be drawn from the Women's Health Initiative, which includes a wealth of clinical and lifestyle data. The findings could lead to improved risk assessment tools tailored for this population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are African American women, particularly those who are postmenopausal and may be at higher risk for cardiovascular issues.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as African American or who are not women may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention strategies and personalized treatment options for cardiovascular disease in African American women.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using epigenetic markers to understand disease risk, but this specific focus on African American women is relatively novel.

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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.