The Jackson Heart Study (JHS) is a community-based observational study of 5,306 African American adults recruited from urban and rural areas of the Jackson, Mississippi metro area. Participants recruited were aged 35-84 years at baseline (2000-2004), except in the nested family study that also recruited adults aged 20+ years. Participants were enrolled from 4 recruitment pools: random (17%); volunteer (22%); participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study (30%); and secondary family members (31%). The purpose of the JHS is to investigate genetic and environmental risk factors associated with the disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease in African Americans.
JHS has conducted 4 examinations to collect data on cardiovascular disease risk factors, socioeconomic and sociocultural factors, biomarkers, measures of subclinical disease and brain health.
From the 5,306 participants examined at baseline through subsequent follow-up exams, the Jackson Heart Study continues to provide valuable data for understanding cardiovascular disease and health outcomes in African American communities.
The JHS participants are contacted annually by telephone to update their personal and health information including medical events, hospitalizations, and other information. Ongoing cohort surveillance for cardiovascular events (i.e., coronary heart disease and related procedures, heart failure, and stroke) and deaths.
In addition, the JHS conducts community education and outreach activities to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce disease risk (Community Engagement Center); undergraduate and graduate level training and education programs; and high school science and math enrichment programs to prepare and encourage students to pursue biomedical science careers (Training and Education Centers). The Jackson Heart Study is funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD).