How exposure to metals and certain chemicals affects stress and heart disease risk

The Impact of Combined Exposure to Metals and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances on Stress, Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Mortality

NIH-funded research North Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ · NIH-10893322

This study is looking at how exposure to certain metals and chemicals in the environment affects stress and heart health in people and their communities, with the goal of finding ways to help everyone live healthier lives.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorth Carolina Agri & Tech St Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Greensboro, United States)
Project IDNIH-10893322 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how combined exposure to metals like lead and cadmium, along with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), impacts stress levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals and communities. By examining the interplay between environmental pollutants and psychosocial stressors, the study aims to understand their collective effects on health outcomes. The research will utilize data analysis to explore these relationships over time, focusing on both individual and neighborhood health. This approach seeks to identify critical factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease and mortality, ultimately aiming to promote healthier living conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in areas with high exposure to environmental pollutants and those experiencing significant psychosocial stress.

Not a fit: Patients who are not exposed to these environmental pollutants or who do not experience psychosocial stressors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health strategies that reduce cardiovascular disease risk and enhance overall community well-being.

How similar studies have performed: While individual pollutants have been studied, this research is novel in its focus on the combined effects of multiple contaminants on health outcomes.

Where this research is happening

Greensboro, 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.
Conditions Cardiovascular Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.