How PTSD affects heart health
Official title: PTSD-Induced Alterations on Cardiac Homeostasis
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11113789 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) might affect heart health by causing inflammation, and it's aimed at helping people with PTSD understand how their condition could impact their heart and finding better ways to keep them healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | May 8, 2024 |
| Project end | May 7, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HL170740-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11113789 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with PTSD who may also be experiencing cardiovascular issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of PTSD or those who do not have any cardiovascular concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the link between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), focusing on how PTSD may lead to chronic inflammation that impacts heart function. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which PTSD influences cardiac homeostasis, particularly through the activation of immune cells and the production of specific proteins that affect heart tissue. By examining these processes, the research seeks to uncover how PTSD contributes to heart disease, potentially leading to better prevention and treatment strategies for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients with PTSD at risk of developing heart disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a connection between PTSD and cardiovascular disease, but this study aims to explore novel mechanisms that have not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Corker, Alexa — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Corker, Alexa
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how PTSD affects self-control and brain function
Researchers are studying how PTSD changes the brain’s control over thoughts and actions, and how this might affect Veterans’ daily lives and responses to treatment.
-
Ketamine to boost fear extinction and memory on PTSD patients
A study testing whether ketamine can help people with PTSD better relearn and forget fear when given in a guided treatment plan.
-
Treating PTSD and opioid use disorder in residential care with Written Exposure Therapy (WEST)
A short, patient-friendly plan to adapt a proven PTSD therapy for people with opioid use disorder in residential treatment and test its practicality and impact.
-
Dynamic PTSD-Related Cognitive Risk in Aging WTC Responders
This project follows World Trade Center responders as they age to understand how PTSD symptoms relate to changes in thinking skills over time.
-
Identifying brain proteins linked to PTSD and alcohol use disorder
Researchers are studying brain proteins that may contribute to PTSD and alcohol use disorder in US veterans to find new ways to help people who struggle with both conditions.
-
Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy for Veterans with Social Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms
A clinical trial tests whether a flexible brain-behavior therapy helps veterans with social anxiety and PTSD symptoms feel better and engage more in daily life.
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.