Assess the true impact of sickle cell trait on cardiovascular health across then age spectrum

Sickle cell disease is now understood as a disease of inflammation in addition to abnormal red blood cells. It is likely persons with sickle cell trait are also negatively affected by the damage caused by inflammation. There is a significant racial disparity in hypertension, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. It remains unclear the degree to which sickle cell trait contributes to this disparity. It also remains unclear whether those with sickle cell trait may also have symptoms similar to persons with sickle cell disease.