MESA: Multi Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) is a study of the characteristics of subclinical cardiovascular disease (disease detected non-invasively before it has produced clinical signs and symptoms) and the risk factors that predict progression to clinically overt cardiovascular disease or progression of the subclinical disease. MESA researchers study a diverse, population-based sample of 6,814 asymptomatic men and women aged 45-84. Approximately 38 percent of the recruited participants are white, 28 percent African-American, 22 percent Hispanic, and 12 percent Asian, predominantly of Chinese descent. The first examination took place over two years, from July 2000-July 2002. It was followed by three examination periods that were 17-20 months in length, and a fifth exam April 2010 – January 2012. Participants are contacted every 9 to 12 months throughout the study to assess clinical morbidity and mortality.

• Jerome Rotter, LA Biomed Research Institute, Principal Investigator