Framingham Heart Study

Framingham Heart Study

The Framingham Heart Study is a long-term, ongoing cardiovascular study on residents of the city of Framingham, Massachusetts. The study began in 1948 with 5,209 adult subjects from Framingham, and is now on its third generation of participants.

Overview

The Framingham Heart Study was a landmark study in the field of epidemiology and cardiology, as it was one of the first major studies to identify the common factors or characteristics that contribute to cardiovascular disease by following its development over a long period of time in a large group of participants who had not yet developed overt symptoms of cardiovascular disease or suffered a heart attack or stroke.

History

The Framingham Heart Study was commissioned by Congress, with the charge to identify the common factors or characteristics that contribute to cardiovascular disease. The study began in 1948 under the direction of the National Heart Institute, now known as the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

Findings

The Framingham Heart Study has led to the identification of major cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and physical inactivity. The study also explored the effects of related factors such as blood triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels, age, gender, and psychosocial issues.

Impact

The Framingham Heart Study's impact on the understanding and prevention of heart disease has been profound and continues to this day. The study's findings have been the basis for many public health policies and guidelines for doctors.

See also

• Cardiovascular disease
• Epidemiology
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute