How early life stress affects blood pressure and blood vessel health in teenagers

Early Life Stress-induced Reprogramming of Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Vascular Function in Adolescence

NIH-funded research University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11010888

This study looks at how stress in childhood, like family problems or neglect, can affect blood pressure and heart health during the teenage years, with the goal of finding ways to help prevent heart issues later in life.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11010888 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of early life stress on blood pressure and vascular function during adolescence. It aims to understand how experiences such as household dysfunction or neglect in childhood can lead to increased cardiovascular disease risk later in life. By studying both adolescents and animal models, the research seeks to identify critical clinical features and molecular pathways that link early life stress to cardiovascular health. The findings could help in developing early interventions to prevent or reduce cardiovascular issues in affected individuals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who have experienced early life stress, such as abuse or neglect.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced early life stress or are outside the age range of 12 to 20 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early interventions that significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in adolescents who have experienced early life stress.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has established a link between early life stress and adult cardiovascular disease, suggesting that this approach has a foundation in existing findings.

Where this research is happening

Birmingham, 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.