Healthy, Heart Disease
Conditions
Keywords
heart disease, cardiovascular disease, lipoproteins, lipoprotein(a), Lp(a), apolipoprotein(a), apo(a), fats, proteins, metabolism
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to determine whether lipoprotein(a), also called Lp(a), is a risk factor for cardiovascular (heart) disease. Lipoproteins are tiny particles that circulate in the blood. They contain cholesterol, fat, and protein in varying amounts depending on the body's need. Higher levels of lipoproteins in the blood can cause an increased risk of heart disease. The investigators believe that by studying the Lp(a) lipoprotein in Caucasians and African Americans, the investigators can assess for genetic variation factors related to cardiovascular (heart) disease. The investigators will be looking at 100 African-American families and 100 Caucasian families to confirm whether a higher Lp(a) level is an indicator of a higher risk for heart disease.
Detailed description
During the study visit the research staff will ask about the medical history, perform a brief physical exam, and draw approximately 4 teaspoons of blood of each family member.
Interventions
Sponsors
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
University of California, Davis
Study design
Observational model
FAMILY_BASED
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
6 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Of Caucasian or African descent * Families must have 2 natural/biological parents and 2 natural/biological offspring * 6 years old or older
Exclusion criteria
* Races other than African American or Caucasian * Families without 2 natural/biological parents and 2 natural/biological offspring * younger that 6 years old
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Genetic variation of Lp(a) levels in each group | five years |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed