Evaluating the Relationship Between Fatty Acids and Heart Disease

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.

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Cardiovascular Diseases Arrhythmias, Cardiac Atrial Fibrillation Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cerebrovascular Accident Cerebrovascular Disorders Heart Diseases Heart Failure Heart Failure, Congestive Nervous System Diseases Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Stroke Vascular Diseases

Age range

65 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Channing Laboratory, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Participated in the Cardiovascular Health Study

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Other

Collaborators

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)

Registry information

Official study title

n-3 and Trans Fatty Acids and Major Cardiovascular Outcomes

Important dates

Study start: 1989
Primary completion: 2006
Study completion: 2006
First posted: Nov 29, 2006
Registry last updated: Apr 14, 2014

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed