The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) is a research project that tracks how heart disease develops across diverse populations in the United States. It involves thousands of participants from different ethnic backgrounds who undergo regular health assessments, including scans and blood tests. The goal is to understand how factors like genetics, lifestyle, and environment influence the buildup of plaque in arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. By studying a broad mix of people, MESA aims to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for cardiovascular disease across all communities.