Investigating the progression of heart disease in diverse populations

MULTI-ETHNIC STUDY OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS (MESA), FIELD CENTER (FC): TASK AREA A - CORE OPERATIONS

NIH-funded research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11310308

This study is looking at how different factors, like genetics and lifestyle, affect heart health over time in men and women aged 45-84 who don’t have any symptoms of heart disease yet, using tests like CT scans and MRIs to check their heart and blood vessels.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Winston-Salem, United States)
Project IDNIH-11310308 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) examines the early signs and risk factors of cardiovascular disease in a diverse group of men and women aged 45-84 who initially showed no symptoms. Participants undergo various imaging tests, including CT scans and MRIs, to assess heart and blood vessel health. The study also looks at genetic factors, lifestyle, and other characteristics to understand how these elements contribute to heart disease over time. Follow-up examinations are conducted to track changes and outcomes in participants' cardiovascular health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are men and women aged 45-84 with no prior evidence of clinical cardiovascular disease.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 45 or have existing cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating cardiovascular disease in diverse populations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies on cardiovascular disease have shown success in identifying risk factors and improving patient outcomes, making this approach both validated and essential.

Where this research is happening

Winston-Salem, 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.
Conditions atherosclerotic coronary disease
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.