How early life factors affect blood pressure and heart health
Official title: Social Determinants and Epigenetic Mediators of Hypertension in the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10899350 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things like your childhood experiences can affect your blood pressure as a young adult, and it hopes to find ways to help prevent high blood pressure and heart problems in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $44,187 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HL173991-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10899350 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include young adults who have experienced varying social conditions during their childhood.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already diagnosed with severe hypertension or cardiovascular diseases may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how social factors experienced in early life can influence blood pressure levels in young adults and contribute to cardiovascular diseases. It focuses on understanding the relationship between these social determinants and epigenetic changes in DNA that may affect health outcomes. By examining these connections, the study aims to identify ways to prevent high blood pressure and related health issues before they develop. Participants may provide valuable data that could lead to improved health strategies for managing blood pressure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new prevention strategies for hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, particularly in young adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social determinants can significantly impact health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Szeto, Mindy — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Szeto, Mindy
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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.