The Framingham Heart Study is a long-term research project that began in 1948 in Framingham, Massachusetts. It was designed to identify the common factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease by studying a large group of participants over several decades. The study has provided valuable insights into risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and smoking. Over the years, the study has expanded to include multiple generations of participants, allowing researchers to examine how lifestyle and genetics influence heart health. Findings from the Framingham Heart Study have significantly shaped public health guidelines and strategies for preventing heart disease.