Cardiovascular disease is increasing
An increasing health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa.
Mapping silent atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease in Mwanza, Tanzania
Earlier detection. Better prevention.
Our vision
A future where silent atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases in sub-Saharan Africa can be detected and prevented earlier, based on evidence generated in the populations affected.
Our mission
LINK-CVD generates population-based evidence on silent atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular disease phenotypes in Mwanza, Tanzania, and investigates how traditional cardiovascular risk factors and locally relevant exposures may contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Why LINK-CVD?
Atherosclerosis before symptoms is poorly understood
We know surprisingly little about early cardiovascular disease in sub-Saharan African populations.
Locally relevant exposures matter
Infections, undernutrition or malnutrition, anemia and indoor air pollution may contribute to cardiovascular disease in this setting.
LINK-CVD at a glance
~1,000 adults
From the general population (aged 18–70 years)
Advanced cardiovascular imaging
CT scan, vascular ultrasound, echocardiography
Silent atherosclerosis and other CVD
Detecting disease early
Traditional risk factors
Blood pressure, diabetes, body weight, smoking, diet and physical activity
Locally relevant exposures
Infections, undernutrition, anemia, indoor air pollution
Better prevention
Evidence for earlier, more targeted screening and prevention
Principal investigators
George PrayGod
National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Mwanza, Tanzania
Daniel Faurholt-Jepsen
Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Core research team
- Brenda Kitilya
- Maria Hein Hegelund
- Rikke Krogh-Madsen
- Maja Valentin Kragh
- Henning Bundgaard
- Borja Ibanez
- Christina Christoffersen
- Jesper James Linde
- Maria Faurholt-Jepsen
- Kidola Jeremiah
- Eva Malindisa
- Virginia Mass Ruiz
- Charles Mangya
- Rob Peck
- Patrick Ngoya
- Cody Cichowitz
- Suzanne Filteau
- Inés García Lunar
- Lily Yan
- Jonah Kreniske
- Rasmus Bo Hasselbalch
- Nikolaj Eldrup
- Maryyusta Nguyamu
- Javier Sánchez González
Scientific cores
Vascular imaging & atherosclerosis
Carotid and femoral arteries, plaque and vascular function
Cardiovascular CT
Non-invasive imaging of coronary atherosclerosis
Cardiac imaging
Echocardiography and cardiac structure and function
Cardiovascular epidemiology & prevention
Population-based evidence and risk factor analysis
Infections & nutrition
Role of infections, undernutrition and anemia in cardiovascular health
Laboratory & biomarkers
Biomarkers of inflammation, metabolism and cardiovascular risk
Collaborations
LINK-CVD collaborates closely with REACT and uses harmonized approaches to characterize silent atherosclerosis, enabling comparisons across different populations and cardiovascular risk environments.
