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NHLBI Family Heart Study: objectives and design
M Higgins1, M Province, G Heiss
1National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
American Journal of Epidemiology
|June 15, 1996
Summary
The NHLBI Family Heart Study investigates genetic and environmental factors influencing coronary heart disease (CHD). It analyzes family history and clinical data to understand CHD risk variations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular epidemiology
- Genetics of heart disease
- Population health
Background:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a significant health concern.
- Understanding genetic and environmental influences on CHD is crucial for prevention.
- Previous studies have identified risk factors, but comprehensive family-based analyses are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genetic and non-genetic determinants of coronary heart disease (CHD).
- To analyze cardiovascular risk factors and preclinical atherosclerosis in a family-based cohort.
- To estimate the contributions of genes, environment, and behavior to CHD risk.
Main Methods:
- Population-based study including randomly selected participants and those with family histories of CHD.
- Calculation of family risk scores based on medical histories and CHD events.
- Clinic examinations including ECG, carotid ultrasound, spirometry, and biochemical/genetic analyses.
Main Results:
- Identified 2,000 participants with family histories of CHD among 14,592 middle-aged individuals.
- Collected clinical and genetic data from 657 high-risk families and 588 randomly sampled families.
- Stored biological samples (serum, plasma, DNA) for future genetic and biochemical studies.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a comprehensive dataset for investigating CHD etiology.
- Future analyses will estimate the interplay of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors in CHD.
- Planned linkage and quantitative trait loci studies will further elucidate genetic contributions to cardiovascular health.