How high blood pressure affects immune cells and heart disease risk

Hypertension-associated Trained Immunity in Myeloid Cells is a Determinant of Atherosclerosis

['FUNDING_R01'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11134245

This study is looking at how high blood pressure can change your immune cells in a way that might raise your chances of heart disease, and it aims to help people with hypertension understand how their immune system affects their heart health.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11134245 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how hypertension, or high blood pressure, can lead to long-lasting changes in immune cells that may increase the risk of heart disease. The study focuses on a phenomenon called trained immunity, where immune cells become 'primed' to respond more aggressively to future stimuli after an initial exposure. By examining the effects of hypertension on these immune cells, the researchers aim to understand the underlying mechanisms that contribute to chronic inflammation and atherosclerosis, even after blood pressure is controlled. Patients may be involved in this research to help identify how their immune responses are affected by hypertension and how this relates to their cardiovascular health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of hypertension or cardiovascular disease.

Not a fit: Patients without hypertension or those who do not have cardiovascular risk factors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing heart disease in patients with hypertension by targeting immune responses.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding trained immunity and its role in various diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

NASHVILLE, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.