In honor of Black History Month and American Heart Month, Dr. Elizabeth Ofili, M.D., M.P.H., FACC, cardiologist at Morehouse School of Medicine, and Dr. Leandro Boer, M.D., Ph.D., US Medical Therapeutic Area Head for General Medicines at Amgen, sat down to discuss the African American Heart Study – ongoing research which aims to improve understanding of cardiovascular risk factors in African Americans and address barriers to clinical study access.
Amgen, in partnership with the Association of Black Cardiologists and the Morehouse School of Medicine, announced the launch of the African American Heart Study in 2023 as a unique exploration into the correlation between Lp(a) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in African Americans across the United States.
Lp(a), pronounced "L-P-little a" and also known as lipoprotein(a), is an emerging, independent risk factor for heart disease.1 Lp(a) is similar to low density lipoprotein (LDL), but it contains an additional protein coil called apo(a) that makes it “extra sticky” as it carries cholesterol through the body.1 Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is always important to reducing the risk for heart disease. However, because having high Lp(a) is almost entirely genetically inherited, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise do not affect a person’s Lp(a) levels.1
While an estimated 20% of people worldwide have elevated Lp(a), African Americans show higher average Lp(a) levels than other populations. Despite this, most Lp(a) research to date focuses on individuals of European descent.2
Hear from Dr.’s Ofili and Boer as they discuss the African American Heart Study and its impact in the video below.
The results of the African American Heart Study are powerful – they will not only help African American patients understand cardiovascular risk associated with Lp(a), but also help pave the way for greater inclusion of underserved communities in clinical trials. Dr. Ofili believes that other underrepresented groups such as the LatinX community and those that live in rural areas can now see a way to participate in clinical research.
“When you empower people in this way, they can see how they can take control of their health,” said Dr. Ofili. “And I think that's the power that we're seeing, especially in February, during Black History Month, allowing individuals to know that you're not without agency.”
Amgen is proud to sponsor this important study and is dedicated to promoting diversity in clinical research and tackling health disparities. By emphasizing inclusive science and research representation, more patients will be able to understand their risk factors and obtain the care and treatment they deserve.
References:
- American Heart Association. Lipoprotein (a). https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/genetic-conditions/lipoprotein-a. Accessed February 2025.
- Tsimikas S, et al. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2022;80:934-946.
