Understanding heart health in rural communities
Epidemiologic Determinants of Cardiac Structure and Function in Rural Residents: RURAL ECHO
This study is looking at heart health in adults living in rural areas of the South, especially in Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta, to find out who might be at risk for heart problems before they even feel sick, so we can create better ways to help them stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11010840 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the high rates of cardiovascular disease among adults living in rural areas of the US South, particularly in the Appalachia and Mississippi Delta regions. By using echocardiography, the study aims to noninvasively assess the structure and function of the heart in these populations, identifying individuals at risk for heart failure even before symptoms appear. The research will analyze various biological, social, and phenotypic factors that contribute to heart health disparities, with the goal of developing interventions to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease. Participants will be part of a unique cohort that seeks to understand and address these health challenges.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults living in rural areas of the Appalachia and Mississippi Delta regions who may be at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Not a fit: Patients living outside of rural areas or those without risk factors for cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier interventions for heart disease, improving health outcomes for rural residents.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using echocardiography to identify cardiac issues in various populations, making this approach promising for the targeted rural communities.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bloomfield, Gerald Samuel — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Bloomfield, Gerald Samuel
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 below.