Historical Studies

The Study of Health and Body Changes (Health ABC)
Originating Department: Geriatric Medicine
Principal Investigator: Anne B. Newman, M.D., M.P.H.,
EDC Project Coordinator: Michelle E. Danielson, Ph.D.
 Analysis stage

This study will recruit a new population-based, non-institutionalized cohort of 1600 adults, aged 70-79, from Allegheny County to participate in an observational study of the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships of body weight, composition and weight/composition changes to incident functional decline. Pulse wave velocity measures are obtained for this study.
Flow Mediated Vasodilation of Brachial Artery in Pre and Postmenopausal Women
(HWS & WHLP Endos)
Originating Department: Epidemiology
Principal Investigator: Lewis H. Kuller, M.D., Dr. P.H.
 Analysis stage

This study will perform measures of flow mediated brachial artery reactivity to assess endothelial function in two groups of women, one premonopausal and one postmenopausal. Difference in endothelial function between these two groups will be evaluated.
Carotid Assessment Program for the Elderly (CAPE)
Originating Department: Epidemiology
Principal Investigator: Kim Sutton Tyrrell, Dr.P.H.
 Analysis stage

The Carotid Assessment Program for the Elderly (CAPE) compares the prevalence of carotid artery disease in a population of 200 elderly adults with isolated systolic hypertension with that of 200 normotensive controls matched for age and sex. Carotid disease will be assessed by duplex scanning, a noninvasive technique that combines real time B-mode ultrasound with Doppler ultrasound, producing a system capable of both vessel imaging and analysis of blood flow characteristics. Other evaluations to be done include: ankle systolic blood pressure measurements to detect lower extremity arterial disease, complete history and physical examination, EKG, blood lipoprotein levels, fasting insulin and glucose levels, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. The effect of various risk factors on the development of carotid atherosclerosis will be evaluated. The relationship between carotid atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic disease of the lower extremities will also be evaluated.
Endothelial Effects of Therapy for Pediatric Dyslipidemia
Originating Department: Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Principal Investigator: Prapti Kanani M.D.
EDC Project Coordinator: Dawn Thomas R.N.

Hyperlipidemia is found to be a high risk factor for early adult heart disease and death because of atherosclerosis. Hyperlipidemia is now being found in childhood and is a contributing factor for heart disease and death. It is known that vasomotor endothelial dysfunction (EF) precedes established lesions of atherosclerosis. This study is looking at the effects of Simvastatin (Zocor) and high doses of Vitamin C with Vitamin E on EF. Ultrasound techniques evaluate how the brachial endothelium responds to these medications and what happens after the withdrawal of them. Twenty-five children, 10-20 years of age with hyperlipidemia are enrolled in the study.
Atherosclerosis, Ventricular Mass and Reactivity (REACT)
Originating Department: Psychology
Principal Investigator: Stephen B. Manuck, Ph.D.
Co-Investigator: Kim Sutton Tyrrell, Dr. P.H.
 Analysis stage

This project is one of four that comprise a Program Project grant. It will test the hypothesis that individual difference in behaviorally evoked cardiovascular reactivity are associated positively with atherosclerosis and indices of left ventricular enlargement among previously untreated hypertensives. It will provide the first systematic study of the relationship of cardiovascular reactivity to both atherosclerosis and left ventricular mass in a biracial hypertensive sample uncomplicated by prior treatment. Carotid ultrasound, echocardiography and pulse wave velocity meausures are performed in the lab.
Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS)
Originating Department: Epidemiology
Principal Investigator: Lewis Kuller, M.D., Dr. P.H.
EDC Project Coordinator: Bobby Moyer C.M.A.

This study is a twelve year, observational, population-based study of the onset, progression and course of heart disease and stroke in the elderly. Because asymptomatic atherosclerosis is common in this age group, the study will be able to investigate factors precipitating the onset of clinically evident disease, as well as factors associated with underlying atherosclerosis. Carotid and aortic ultrasound measures are being collected as well as measures of vascular stiffness and endothelial function.