Investigating the role of specific fats in heart health among older adults

Plasma Sphingolipids and Subclinical and Clinical Cardiovascular Disease

NIH-funded research University of Washington · NIH-10646441

This study is looking at how specific fats in the blood, called ceramides and sphingomyelins, might affect heart health in older adults, and it aims to find out how these fats could be linked to heart problems over time, while including people from different backgrounds to get a complete picture.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-10646441 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how certain types of fats in the blood, specifically ceramides and sphingomyelins, are linked to heart health in older adults. By examining data from previous studies, the researchers aim to uncover how these fats may contribute to heart failure and other cardiovascular issues. The study will involve advanced imaging techniques to assess heart changes over time and will explore the biological mechanisms behind these associations. Additionally, the research will include diverse ethnic groups to ensure comprehensive findings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those at risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger or do not have cardiovascular risk factors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new prevention strategies for heart failure in older adults by identifying modifiable risk factors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in linking blood fat levels to heart health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, 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 Cardiovascular Diseasescardiovascular disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.