The Jackson Heart Study is a study that will examine the factors that influence the development of cardiovascular disease in African American men and women.  In addition, the Jackson Heart Study is an effort to empower African Americans in the Jackson Metropolitan Area to reduce the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease such as obesity, hypertension and lack of physical activity.

 The Jackson Heart Study is the first large-scale cardiovascular disease study in African Americans.  The results will significantly impact not only African Americans in Mississippi, but African Americans throughout the United States.  It will  enhance our overall knowledge of cardiovascular disease.  This study is important because it provides an opportunity for African Americans to leave a legacy of health for their future generations.

The Jackson Heart Study will enhance the community’s awareness and understanding of cardiovascular disease through seminars and workshops on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol and nutrition.  It will identify risk factors for cardiovascular disease in African Americans.  It will enhance research capabilities at minority institutions by developing partnerships, and it will develop programs to attract minority students into careers in public health and epidemiology.  The Jackson Heart Study provides African Americans with opportunities to give meaningful input into the development of a major research project that impacts our health.

One vision of the Jackson Heart Study for the future is the translation of the research into practice and prevention.  For study participants and the general public, practice refers to day-to-day health-related activities to stay well, prevent disease and prevent the complications of heart disease.  For health professionals, practice refers to the process they use to assess, diagnose, treat and refer their patients.  For all groups, prevention refers to the use of health education to focus day-to-day health practices on behaviors that reduce or eliminate the risk factors for heart disease.  Further, several studies related to the Jackson Heart Study, called “ancillary studies”, are being conducted that will provide greater insight on specific research in areas such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, physical activity, and lifestyle changes.