Investigating the role of aspirin in preventing cardiovascular events related to elevated Lp(a) levels.
Official title: Aspirin, Lp(a) and Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10910186 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether taking aspirin can help prevent heart problems in people who have high levels of a genetic marker called Lp(a), especially those over 65 or with type 2 diabetes, so that doctors can give better advice to patients at risk for heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $757,829 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL170224-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910186 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 65 and older or those with type 2 diabetes who have elevated Lp(a) levels.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without elevated Lp(a) levels or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how aspirin may help prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) in individuals with elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a), a genetic risk factor for heart disease. The study will analyze data from existing trials, specifically ASPREE and ASCEND, to determine if aspirin can effectively reduce the risk of heart-related events in high-risk patients, particularly those over 65 or with type 2 diabetes. By measuring Lp(a) levels and their association with CVD outcomes, the research aims to provide clearer treatment guidelines for physicians. Patients with a family history of cardiovascular issues may find this research particularly relevant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new preventive strategies for cardiovascular disease in patients with elevated Lp(a) levels.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in using aspirin for cardiovascular prevention, but this specific approach focusing on Lp(a) is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsimikas, Sotirios — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Tsimikas, Sotirios
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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.