Dataset from Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) was initiated to study the correlates, predictors, and progression of subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) (disease detected non-invasively before it has produced clinical signs and symptoms) in a diverse population-based sample of men and women aged 45-84 who had no evidence of clinical CVD at baseline (www.mesa-nhlbi.org). During 2000-2002, 6,814 participants were recruited from six field centers (Forsyth County, NC; Northern Manhattan and the Bronx, NY; Baltimore City and Baltimore County, MD; St. Paul, MN; Chicago, IL; and Los Angeles County, CA). The ethnic composition of the recruited cohort was 38% Caucasian, 28% African American, 22% Hispanic, and 12% Chinese. An extensive baseline exam focused on critical CVD risk factors and subclinical disease measures. Five subsequent exams took place through 2018 to assess changes in these measures and to explore new innovative research questions. Cohort members are contacted annually to obtain information about intervening hospitalizations and outpatient cardiovascular-related procedures. Relevant medical records are abstracted and reviewed and clinical endpoints of interest are adjudicated. The study is comprised of one Coordinating Center, six Field Centers and one biospecimen repository.