MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) is a longitudinal study of the characteristics of subclinical cardiovascular disease (disease detected non-invasively before it has produced clinical signs and symptoms) and risk factors that predict progression from subclinical to clinically cardiovascular disease, in a diverse population-based sample of 6,814 men and women aged 45-84. Approximately 39 percent of the cohort is White; 27 percent African-American; 22 percent Hispanic; and 12 percent Asian (of Chinese descent). The cohort was recruited from six Field Centers: Northwestern University; Columbia University, New York; Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore; UCLA, Los Angeles; University of Minnesota, Twin Cities; and Wake Forest University, Winston Salem. The cohort was characterized with respect to a variety of subclinical cardiovascular disease measures, including CT scansfor coronary calcium, carotid ultrasound, endothelial function, ABI, cardiac MRI, and arterial compliance. Standard coronary risk factors, sociodemographic factors, lifestyle factors and psychosocial factors are also assessed. Blood samples are assayed for putative biochemical risk factors and stored for nested case-control studies. Also, DNA is extracted and lymphocytes immortalized for studying candidate genes and possibly genome-widescanning. Four clinical examinations, 18 to 24 months apart, were performed. Participants are being followed for identification and characterization of cardiovascular disease events and interventions received. Currently, the study has been renewed for another seven years (2008-15). The fifth exam will be held in 2010. Similar to CARDIA, MESA has many ancillary studies; NU investigators serve as the PIs of some of them.

For more information, please visit the participant website or the study website

last updated:Tue Aug 25, 2009 7:14 AM