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 University of Minnesota · NIH-11310311

This study is looking at heart health in men and women aged 45-84 who don’t have any symptoms, to see how early signs of heart disease develop over time, and it’s for people from different backgrounds who want to help us learn more about keeping hearts healthy.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11310311 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, alongside evaluations of lifestyle and genetic factors. The study aims to follow these individuals over time to understand how subclinical conditions develop into more serious heart issues. This ongoing research seeks to enhance our understanding of cardiovascular health across different ethnic backgrounds.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are men and women aged 45-84 from various ethnic backgrounds who do not have clinical cardiovascular disease.

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

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for cardiovascular disease tailored to diverse populations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies on cardiovascular health in diverse populations have shown promising results, indicating that this approach is both relevant and necessary.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, 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.