Effects of stress during pregnancy on heart disease risk in Black women

Preconception and prenatal stress effects on cardiovascular disease risk in black women

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11159985

This study looks at how stress before and during pregnancy can affect heart health in Black women, focusing on the unique challenges they face, and it also explores how certain healthy fats in food might help reduce stress and lower the risk of heart disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11159985 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how stress experienced before and during pregnancy affects the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Black women. It focuses on understanding the unique stressors that these women face, such as discrimination and adversity, and how these factors may influence their heart health during and after pregnancy. The study aims to identify individual differences in stress responses and explore dietary interventions, specifically the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids, in reducing stress and CVD risk. By examining these connections, the research seeks to provide insights into improving maternal health outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Black women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Not a fit: Patients who are not Black women or who are not currently pregnant may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that reduce cardiovascular disease risk in Black women during and after pregnancy.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of stress on health outcomes, particularly in maternal health, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.