The American Coronary heart Affiliation, the world’s main voluntary group targeted on coronary heart and mind well being, invitations scientific researchers throughout the globe to compete in a brand new information problem to raised inform the scientific understanding of how lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] ranges affect the danger of heart problems and stroke. The successful venture is eligible to obtain a $40,000 USD money prize.
Excessive ranges of Lp(a) -; a low-density lipoprotein variant containing a protein known as apolipoprotein(a) -; are an unbiased, predominantly inherited and causal threat issue for heart problems, the main explanation for dying and incapacity worldwide. Research have proven that elevated Lp(a) is a threat issue for atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty materials in artery partitions) and associated ailments, corresponding to coronary coronary heart illness and stroke. Whereas it’s estimated that 1 in 5 Individuals have excessive lp(a) ranges, there aren’t any commonplace administration approaches for analysis or threat evaluation, nor any focused therapies out there to decrease Lp(a).
Individuals within the Lp(a) Knowledge Problem might be requested to make use of information supplied by means of the Affiliation’s Precision Drugs Platform, a safe cloud-computing platform to facilitate analysis, to check the function of Lp(a) in heart problems or stroke threat calculators or threat scores. They’ll use novel information science methods with massive medical datasets and might incorporate their very own genetic datasets.
Problem functions are due by Sept. 15, 2023, at 5 pm CT. Problem winners might be introduced on the American Coronary heart Affiliation’s Scientific Classes 2023. The winner will obtain a $40,000 USD money prize, second place will obtain $25,000 USD and third place will obtain $10,000 USD, every award contingent on last analysis publication in one of many Affiliation’s peer-reviewed scientific journals. To use, go to precision.coronary heart.org/lpadatachallenge.
Whereas we’re studying extra daily about Lp(a) and its function in heart problems and aortic valve illness, extra proof is required to tell future suggestions for medical follow. The Lp(a) information problem will assist to fill in our gaps in understanding this crucial part of cardiovascular well being.”
Chiadi E. Ndumele, M.D., PhD, MHS, American Coronary heart Affiliation volunteer skilled and affiliate professor of cardiology at Johns Hopkins College College of Drugs
The problem is a part of the Affiliation’s Lp(a) Discovery Venture, which goals to enhance understanding of the genetic and organic foundation for variation in Lp(a) ranges and its relationship to illness. The venture goals to find out medical requirements for optimum affected person care by means of a brand new screening measure and high quality enchancment interventions for these with elevated Lp(a). Novartis is a proud supporter of the American Coronary heart Affiliation’s Lp(a) Discovery Venture.
