Evaluating the Relationship Between Fatty Acids and Heart Disease

Completed

• Conditions: Cardiovascular Diseases; Atrial Fibrillation; Heart Failure, Congestive; Cerebrovascular Accident

• Registration Number: NCT00404872
• Lead Sponsor: Brigham and Women's Hospital

Brief Summary

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects millions of people in the United States; each year, more people die from CVD than from any other disease. Individuals with low levels of n-3 fatty acids and high levels of trans-fatty acids may have an increased risk of developing CVD. This study will evaluate the link between fatty acids and the presence of CVD in older adults.

Detailed Description

CVD includes diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels, including congestive heart failure (CHF), atrial fibrillation (AF), and stroke. CVD may be associated with low levels of n-3 fatty acids and high levels of trans-fatty acids, but more research is needed to determine the role of various fatty acids in the development of CVD. Results from prior studies on this topic have not always been reliable because data from self-reported dietary questionnaires on fatty acid intake have sometimes been inaccurate. A more effective way to measure levels of fatty acids is to analyze blood samples. This study will use blood samples of participants in the Cardiovascular Health Study, a study that examined CVD risk factors in older adults, to determine the link between various fatty acids and the incidence of CHF, AF, and stroke. The results from this study may help researchers identify the dietary factors that influence the development of CVD in older adults.

This study will examine previously collected data from participants in the Cardiovascular Health Study. There will be no study visits specifically for this study. Plasma samples obtained from participants will be analyzed for the presence of n-3 fatty acids and trans-fatty acids. The study will also determine the incidence of CHF, AF, and stroke and the way in which fatty acids are related to hemodynamics, heart structure and function, electrophysiology, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, endothelial function, and obesity.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 1989-01
• Primary Completion: 2006-06
• Study Completion: 2006-06
• Study First Submitted: 2006-11-27
• Study First Submitted QC: 2006-11-27
• Study First Posted: 2006-11-29
• Status Verified: 2014-04
• Last Update Submitted: 2014-04-10
• Last Update Posted: 2014-04-14

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 4766

Inclusion Criteria

• Participated in the Cardiovascular Health Study

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Trial Locations

Locations (4)

Cardiovascular Health Research Unit, University of Washington; 🇺🇸 Seattle, Washington, United States

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; 🇺🇸 Seattle, Washington, United States

Harvard School of Public Health; 🇺🇸 Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Channing Laboratory, Harvard Medical School; 🇺🇸 Boston, Massachusetts, United States