A heart-healthy program for aging HIV patients using therapy pets to help blood pressure
Official title: A cardiovascular disease risk reduction intervention that leverages the human animal bond to improve hypertension control among aging people living with HIV
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11470327 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests whether using the human-animal bond from dog ownership can help older adults living with HIV control their blood pressure and improve heart health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $442,903 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG105092-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11470327 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults living with HIV who have uncontrolled hypertension and who own or are willing to be connected with a dog or canine companionship component.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without hypertension or those unable to participate in CHW-led activities or dog-related components may see little benefit.
What this research studies
Older adults living with HIV often struggle with high blood pressure and heart disease, compounded by loneliness, poverty, and sedentary habits. This project will adapt a community health worker–led hypertension program to incorporate dog companionship and activities that promote social support, physical activity, and stress reduction. Through group sessions and connected community resources, participants will work on lifestyle changes, medication adherence, and strategies to stay engaged in healthy routines. The approach leverages existing evidence-based practices and tailors them to the unique social and health needs of aging PLWH.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may achieve better blood pressure control and overall cardiovascular health, along with improved social connectedness and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous community health worker–delivered hypertension programs have shown benefits, and this study adapts them to a pet-facilitated social support context.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Applebaum, Jennifer W — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Applebaum, Jennifer W
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Integrating heart care into HIV services in Botswana using statins
This project tests a simple, scalable approach to help people with HIV in Botswana start and stay on statin therapy to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
-
Integrating heart-attack and stroke prevention with HIV care in Botswana
A study tests a simple, scalable plan to help people with HIV in Botswana get statins to prevent heart problems.
-
Aging, DNA Methylation, and Cardio Risk in Breast Cancer Survivors
A study to help breast cancer survivors understand how aging and DNA changes might raise the chance of heart disease.
-
Hypertension care for Veterans with rheumatoid arthritis to prevent heart disease
A structured plan to improve blood pressure control in Veterans with rheumatoid arthritis to lower their risk of heart disease.
-
Understanding how daily social stress relates to hypertension and heart disease
A study will look at how everyday social stress affects blood pressure and heart disease risk in adults, especially among African American participants.
-
How high blood pressure and aging may weaken bones
Seeing whether treating high blood pressure and lowering inflammation can help protect bone strength in older adults.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.