Search for 8,000 Volunteers to Cure Atherosclerosis

The search for participants has been compared to one of the most famous announcements in history. In 1914, explorer Ernest Shackleton published a notice in the London press seeking men for a journey to Antarctica. The notice famously stated, "Se buscan hombres para un viaje peligroso. Salarios bajos, frío extremo, largos meses de completa oscuridad. Dudoso regreso sanos y salvos. Honor y reconocimiento en caso de éxito."

While Shackleton's expedition was defined by extreme cold and the possibility of not returning safely, the modern call from the CNIC is driven by a different kind of urgency. The researchers are looking for 8,000 volunteers for a study that could change the course of cardiovascular medicine. The stakes are high, but the context is medical research rather than exploration.

The parallel highlights the magnitude of the undertaking. Just as Shackleton sought men willing to face the unknown for the sake of discovery, the CNIC is seeking individuals willing to participate in a study that could unlock the secrets of a deadly disease.

The experiment focuses on atherosclerosis, a condition described as the accumulation of fats and cholesterol in the arteries. This buildup can restrict blood flow and lead to severe health complications. Specifically, the condition can provoke letales infartos cerebrales o del corazón (fatal brain or heart infarcts).

The study will involve a detailed analysis of the participants' arteries. The researchers plan to examine the interior of the arteries of all 8,000 volunteers. This comprehensive examination is intended to gather data that could lead to a cure.

Leading the effort are Borja Ibáñez and Valentín Fuster. Both are prominent cardiologists associated with the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC). Their expertise is central to the design and execution of this ambitious project.

The implications of this research are global. Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of death worldwide. Successfully identifying a cure would represent a monumental achievement in public health. The researchers believe the results of this experiment could save millones de vidas (millions of lives).

The study is currently focused on recruiting volunteers within Spain. The logistics of managing a trial with 8,000 participants require significant organization and resources. The CNIC is spearheading this effort to ensure the study's success.

The call for volunteers is a critical step in the process. Without the participation of these 8,000 individuals, the research cannot proceed. The scientific community is watching closely as the recruitment phase begins.