How early life stress affects blood pressure control later in life
Official title: Central Nervous System Reprogramming of the Control of Blood Pressure Induced by Early Life Stress
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11010887 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how stress during childhood can change the brain in ways that might lead to high blood pressure later in life, helping us understand how your early experiences could affect your health today.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $287,514 |
| NIH project number | 5P01HL158500-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010887 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced adverse childhood events and are currently dealing with hypertension or related cardiovascular issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced significant early life stress or do not have hypertension may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how experiences of stress during childhood can lead to long-term changes in the brain that affect blood pressure regulation. By studying the central nervous system's response to early life stress, the researchers aim to understand the mechanisms that link adverse childhood experiences to hypertension in adulthood. The study involves examining the inflammatory processes in the brain that may contribute to heightened blood pressure responses when faced with new stressors later in life. Patients may benefit from insights into how their childhood experiences could influence their current health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating hypertension linked to early life stress.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown a connection between early life stress and cardiovascular issues, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Alan Kim — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Alan Kim
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Actions to Decrease Disparities in Blood Pressure Control for Blacks
Aiming to help Black patients manage high blood pressure by using nurses, community health workers, and home monitoring in real-world clinics.
-
Cognitive behavioral therapy and trazodone for insomnia phenotypes with high blood pressure
A clinical study tests how CBT-I and the sleep drug trazodone work for adults with insomnia and high blood pressure, focusing on a specific sleep duration pattern.
-
Music-powered tools to boost blood pressure and stroke prevention for Nigerian youth and their older caregivers
This project uses popular music to help Nigerian youths and their older family members start and stick to blood pressure and stroke prevention habits.
-
Non-invasive, continuous blood pressure monitoring for prenatal maternal health
A wearable device from PyrAmes uses comfortable, non-invasive sensors and smart software to constantly monitor a pregnant person’s blood pressure and heart health so doctors can protect both mom and baby.
-
Smartphone app helps pregnant women in Ghana monitor blood pressure at home
A smartphone app is being customized for pregnant women in Ghana to support home blood pressure monitoring and improve safety during pregnancy.
-
Nap duration during night shifts and blood pressure health
A Phase II study will test how long night shift naps should be to restore normal blood pressure patterns and maintain safe performance, while considering caffeine use, for night workers.
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.