Endogenous circadian clocks and cardiovascular risk rhythms
Official title: Endogenous circadian mechanisms underlying cardiovascular risk
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11377031 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research team at a major university is studying how the body's internal clock affects heart and blood vessel health, especially in the morning when heart risks can spike.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $924,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35HL155681-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377031 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older with or without known cardiovascular risk factors who can participate in controlled laboratory sessions.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals unwilling or unable to participate in multi-day sessions or with conditions that preclude safe laboratory testing may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how our internal circadian clocks in the autonomic nervous system, heart, and vessels shape daily fluctuations in cardiovascular risk. It uses intensive, multi-day laboratory studies in adults to map circadian patterns in heart and vascular responses to stressors. The goal is to understand why morning periods may increase susceptibility to events like heart attack or stroke and how behavior and time of day interact with risk factors. The work will bring together experts from multiple disciplines to link biological rhythms with real-world cardiovascular outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to timing-based strategies to reduce morning cardiovascular risk and personalize prevention plans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown measurable circadian rhythms in cardiovascular function, supporting potential benefits from this line of research.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shea, Steven a — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Shea, Steven a
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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.