Coronary Atherosclerosis Evaluation by Arterial Wall Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Coronary Atherosclerosis Evaluation by Arterial Wall MRI

The overall goal of this study is to use MRI to:

• Examine the relationship between known risk factors for cardiovascular disease and coronary artery wall thickness;
• Examine the relationship between coronary artery wall thickness and other markers of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, such as carotid wall thickness and coronary calcium scores; and,
• Examine the feasibility of measuring the progression of coronary artery wall thickness over time in a subset of participants.

Each enrolled participant will undergo MR Imaging of the coronary arteries in conjunction with their routine MESA follow-up visit. The MRI will last approximately 45-60 minutes

Inclusion Criteria:

• Prior enrollment in the MESA Study at the Hopkins MESA Field Center or the Northwestern University MESA Field Center
• Male or Female adult equal to or older than 45 years of age
• Willing/able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any known contraindications to MRI (i.e. severe claustrophobia, pacemaker, etc.)
• Metal in the eyes