Impact
A Legacy of Lifelong Impact
Since 1973, the Bogalusa Heart Study has been at the forefront of cardiovascular research, revealing groundbreaking insights into how heart disease begins in childhood. The study’s impact has been profound, influencing public health strategies globally and fostering a deep sense of community pride in Bogalusa, Louisiana.
Our Research Impact
The Bogalusa Heart Study has revolutionized our understanding of cardiovascular disease by revealing that it begins in childhood and shaping global health practices through its groundbreaking research. Ongoing research promises new breakthroughs for health equality and brain health.
Heart Health Starts Early
The Bogalusa Heart Study was the first to demonstrate that heart disease starts in childhood, changing how we approach pediatric health.
Global Influence on Policy
Research findings have shaped guidelines and policies worldwide, emphasizing early intervention for conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol in children.
Pioneering Health Disparity Research
The study was among the first to identify and document racial health disparities, laying the groundwork for future health equity initiatives.
Continued Innovation: Brain Health
Ongoing research is exploring the link between early cardiovascular health and brain health, with potential to revolutionize dementia prevention.
Bogalusa In the News
Weight of the nation, features NIH research conducted in part in of Bogalusa
In this four-part documentary series HBO highlights how obesity is one of the biggest threats to American health and features the Bogalusa Heart Study prominently.
Community Impact: Our Participants Make A Difference
Our participants empower the Bogalusa community and make incredible contributions to public health. By participating in the Bogalusa Heart Study, you help advance research that leads to a better world.
Our participants have shared how being part of the study has impacted them personally:
- Community Pride: The study has instilled a strong sense of pride in participants, knowing they’ve directly contributed to global medical advancements.
- Generational Participation: Many families in Bogalusa have participated across multiple generations, with some even joining the study as staff, deepening their connection to the community.
- A Source of Hope: Participants feel that their involvement helps improve health outcomes for future generations, leaving a lasting legacy in their community and beyond.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the Bogalusa Heart Study
The Bogalusa Heart Study has shown that childhood factors like obesity, diet, and physical activity impact heart disease risk later in life. This research underscores the need for early prevention and healthier lifestyle choices for young people. The study will also explore the connection between these factors and brain health.
What did the Bogalusa Heart Study prove?
The Bogalusa Heart Study, which meticulously followed the health of local children into their adult years, was the first to reveal that heart disease can start in childhood. This landmark research has significantly impacted our understanding of cardiovascular health from a young age.
When did the Bogalusa Heart Study start?
In the fall of 1973, the Bogalusa Heart Study launched as a long-term investigation into the early natural history of cardiovascular disease in the semirural parish of Bogalusa, Louisiana.
What disease was linked to participants in the Bogalusa Heart Study?
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) often starts early in life but typically becomes clinically evident later in adulthood. The Bogalusa Heart Study, which began in 1972 under the guidance of pediatric cardiologist Dr. Gerald Berenson and continues to this day, has revealed that ASCVD actually begins in childhood. This long-term research has significantly advanced our understanding of how cardiovascular disease develops over the lifespan.