How early life stress affects heart health in young adults
Official title: Prospective Effects of Early Life Stress and Protective Factors on Vascular Function and Inflammation in Young Adulthood
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11010889 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tough experiences in childhood can affect heart health in young adults, and it’s for people from Birmingham, Alabama, who want to help us understand if things like diet and exercise can make a difference.
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-11010889 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adults aged 29 who have a history of early life stress and have been part of the study cohort since adolescence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced early life stress or are outside the age range of 29 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of early life stress (ELS) on cardiovascular health in young adults, focusing on how adverse experiences before age 18 can lead to vascular dysfunction and inflammation. By studying a diverse group of 1,000 adults from Birmingham, Alabama, who have been monitored since adolescence, the research aims to identify physiological pathways linking ELS to cardiovascular disease. The study will also explore whether lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical activity, can mitigate these effects. Participants will contribute to understanding how early experiences shape long-term health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective strategies for preventing cardiovascular disease in individuals who experienced early life stress.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between early life stress and cardiovascular health, 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: Mrug, Sylvie — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Mrug, Sylvie
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.