Help us advance the science of heart health

The Heart Biomarker Study by Project Baseline is an initiative to develop a better understanding of heart disease. The Heart Biomarker Study is dedicated to advancing research around lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), an emerging key biomarker for heart health.

Project Baseline was founded by Verily, a subsidiary of Alphabet focused on life sciences and healthcare. Our mission is to make it easy and engaging for people to contribute to the map of human health and participate in clinical research.

We partner with organizations like Duke University School of Medicine, Stanford Medicine, and our sister company Google to make clinical research opportunities more accessible. Together with researchers, clinicians, engineers, designers, advocates, and volunteers like you, we're collaborating to design the next generation of healthcare tools and services.

High levels of Lp(a) are considered a risk factor for heart disease. We're still learning about how Lp(a) impacts risk of a second cardiac event, but we do know that Lp(a) is genetic. This means it can be inherited and passed on. Knowing your Lp(a) level will allow you to determine whether testing makes sense for your family.

Lp(a), LDL, and HDL are all lipoproteins, or particles in the blood. High levels of LDL, or low-density lipoprotein (also called "bad cholesterol") can lead to blockages in the arteries. HDL, or high-density lipoprotein (also called "good cholesterol") is associated with lower risk of heart disease.

We're still learning about Lp(a), especially among heart patients, but we do know that it's considered a genetic risk factor for heart disease. Like LDL, Lp(a) has been associated with blockages in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

While research into Lp(a) is growing, we still need to know more about the prevalence of high Lp(a) within the heart attack and stroke survivor community. We're also looking at how high Lp(a) may affect risk when other factors, like cholesterol, are controlled by statin medications.

With a deeper understanding of Lp(a), we hope to enable better solutions for heart patients and their families.

A biomarker (short for "biological marker") is a measurable substance in the body. We look at biomarkers to understand biological states or medical conditions.

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a blood particle which carries cholesterol, fats, and proteins. When we speak of it as a biomarker, we're looking at levels of Lp(a) in the blood and what they mean for heart health.

You do not have to pay anything to be involved in Project Baseline.

We will not share any information with your insurance or medical providers without your consent. You and your doctor will continue to make decisions about your care.

We are committed to maintaining high privacy standards and keeping your data safe. Project Baseline follows federal and state regulations governing the collection and use of an individual's data, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Data is stored in advanced systems with best-in-class security and privacy protocols.