Investigating the progression of heart disease in diverse populations
Official title: MULTI-ETHNIC STUDY OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS (MESA), FIELD CENTER (FC): TASK AREA A - CORE OPERATIONS
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11310316 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at heart health in men and women aged 45-84 who don’t have any symptoms yet, to see how early signs and different factors might lead to heart problems later on, and it includes a diverse group of people to better understand heart disease across different backgrounds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 19, 2024 |
| Project end | April 11, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $240,850 |
| NIH project number | 75N92020D00004-0-759202500001-1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11310316 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men and women aged 45-84 who have no prior evidence of clinical cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 45 or those with existing clinical cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.
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 non-invasive tests, including advanced imaging techniques like cardiac MRI and CT scans, to assess heart health and identify potential risk factors. The study aims to follow these individuals over time to understand how subclinical conditions may progress to more serious cardiovascular issues. By analyzing a wide range of biological, behavioral, and environmental factors, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of heart disease in different ethnic groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies and treatments for cardiovascular disease tailored to diverse populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have successfully utilized similar methodologies to identify risk factors and progression of cardiovascular disease, indicating a strong potential for impactful findings in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
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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.