The University of Arizona’s Sarver Heart Center announces the launch of the Arizona Heart Study (AZ-Heart), a research initiative designed to better understand the burden of heart disease in Arizona and to identify risk factors that may be specific to the state’s unique geography, climate and diverse population.
Led by the Sarver Heart Center’s Data Science Unit, the initiative is taking a two-pronged approach. Researchers will analyze existing health system and cohort data to understand current patterns of heart disease in in this region, while also laying the groundwork for a longitudinal research cohort that will track heart health over time through prospective clinical measurements, imaging, biomarkers, environmental exposures and digital health information. Together, these efforts aim to generate evidence that supports prevention strategies tailored to Arizona’s population and environment.
“Arizona presents a distinct landscape for heart health research,” says Dr. Hesham Sadek, MD, PhD, Director of the Sarver Heart Center. “In addition to the well-known risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the Arizona Heart Study will give us an opportunity to uncover local drivers, like extreme heat, environmental exposures, unique genetic backgrounds and changing demographics, and translate them into prevention strategies adapted to the needs of Arizona communities.”
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Arizona, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet many of the risk factors and health trajectories within the Southwest region remain underexamined. By building this research infrastructure, AZ-Heart aims to address a critical gap in our understanding of heart disease in the Southwest and generate region-specific insights that can guide prevention and care efforts throughout Arizona.
“Our goal is to blend advanced statistical methods with clinical, environmental and behavioral insight,” says Alane Blythe Dy, PhD, MSPH, Director of the Sarver Heart Center Data Science Unit and lead of the study. “We want to see what existing data can tell us, and also launch a cohort designed to reflect the unique conditions affecting Arizonans so that we can begin to answer questions that are most pressing for our residents.”
In addition to advancing scientific discovery, AZ-Heart is committed to building partnerships with academic and community groups across the state. This collaborative approach supports the Sarver Heart Center’s mission to improve cardiovascular health through research, education and community engagement.
Learn more about Dr. Dy's work with AZ-Heart and the Sarver Heart Center Data Science Unit