How a Mild Brain Injury Might Raise Heart Disease Risk Later
Official title: Mechanisms Linking Mild-to-Moderate TBI to Long-Term Cardiovascular Disease
Funded at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · NIH-11422668 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in people with a mild brain injury (like a concussion) explores how inflammation after injury could lead to heart disease years down the line.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Rio Grande Valley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Edinburg, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $539,103 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL187311-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11422668 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with a history of concussion or mild traumatic brain injury who are at risk for cardiovascular issues.
✕Less likely to help
People without a history of brain injury or without elevated inflammatory markers may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
If you’ve had a concussion, this research looks at why your risk for heart disease might stay higher many years later. The project focuses on inflammation, especially IL-6, and how it might connect brain injury with changes in the autonomic nervous system that influence heart health. Scientists plan to study biological markers and mechanisms to understand this link and identify possible points to prevent heart problems after brain injury. The work could pave the way for future interventions that reduce long-term cardiovascular risk for survivors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to new strategies to prevent heart disease in people with a history of brain injury.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has linked IL-6 and autonomic dysfunction to cardiovascular risk, but this project seeks to clarify the brain–heart connection after concussion.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sulimai, Nurul — University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Study coordinator: Sulimai, Nurul
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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.