Trusted Medical collaborates with Yale School of Medicine to conduct evidence-based healthcare research. Together, we operate the full clinical research lifecycle in collaboration with PWA-approved organizations.
In the UNRAVEL study, the Yale study group measured Lp(a) levels in people from various backgrounds across the U.S. to see how it affects heart health. Lp(a) is a type of fat like LDL cholesterol, often called “bad cholesterol.” High Lp(a) levels can cause plaque buildup and narrow blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease. These levels usually stay the same over time and can run in families. Knowing the risks can help you and your loved ones take steps to lower it with medications.
Participants in the UNRAVEL Study learned valuable information about their heart health. After a blood draw, participants were able to share their results with their doctor to discuss any changes to medications or lifestyle that might help protect their heart. Since Lp(a) levels stay fairly constant, a single test provided valuable insights for long-term care. Additionally, participation helped support important research on heart disease treatments that may benefit families and others in the community.
Eligible participants were required to be 18 years of age or older, live in the United States, and have a medically confirmed diagnosis of ASCVD, with documentation in electronic health records (EHRs) at the time of any study procedure or event. In the study, a diagnosis of ASCVD included:
Myocardial infarction (MI), or a blockage of blood to the heart, also known as a heart attack
Ischemic stroke, or a blockage of blood to the brain
Clinically significant symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD), or a narrowing of the vessels that deliver blood from the heart to the rest of the body
Individuals who were willing to participate in the consent process, complete an online pre-screening questionnaire, and connect their EHR data through Hugo Connect were eligible to be selected for the study. Participants were required to have an active email account and phone number for ongoing communication with the UNRAVEL Study coordinators. All participants were required to live within a reasonable distance of a Quest Diagnostics center.
The study sought participants who identified as belonging to one or more of the following racial or ethnic groups: Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic South Asian, or non-Hispanic White. Non-Hispanic South Asians were defined as individuals with ancestry from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, or Sri Lanka.