Understanding how statins and colchicine affect heart plaque in people with high genetic risk
Coronary plaque changes with statin and colchicine among people with high polygenic risk- a mechanistic pilot study
This research looks at how common medicines like statins and colchicine might change plaque in the heart arteries of people who have a higher genetic risk for heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11096039 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that some people have a higher genetic risk for heart disease, even without traditional risk factors, and they benefit greatly from cholesterol-lowering medicines. This project aims to understand how statins and an anti-inflammatory medicine called colchicine can reduce plaque buildup in the heart arteries of these individuals. We will use advanced imaging techniques and blood tests to see how these medicines affect the plaque. The goal is to find better ways to prevent heart disease in those with a hidden genetic predisposition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with a high genetic risk for coronary artery disease but no known existing heart conditions, who are already part of a hospital biobank.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a high polygenic risk for coronary artery disease or who already have known cardiovascular disease may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more personalized and effective ways to prevent heart disease in people identified with a high genetic risk.
How similar studies have performed: While statins are well-established for reducing cholesterol and colchicine has shown promise in reducing cardiovascular events, this specific combination and focus on high polygenic risk individuals with detailed plaque imaging is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fahed, Akl C — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Fahed, Akl C
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.