How stress affects heart health differently in men and women
Official title: Cortical-hypothalamic control of the cardiovascular consequences of stress
Funded at Colorado State University · NIH-11051764 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress affects heart health, especially in women, by exploring how certain parts of the brain control this connection, and it hopes to find new ways to help prevent and treat heart problems caused by stress.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2023 |
| Project end | December 14, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $77,077 |
| NIH project number | 5F32HL172693-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051764 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic stress or those with a history of cardiovascular issues, especially women.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience stress-related cardiovascular problems or those with unrelated heart conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between stress and cardiovascular health, focusing on how the brain's prefrontal cortex and hypothalamus regulate these effects. By examining the neural pathways involved, the study aims to uncover why stress-related heart issues are more common in females. The approach includes advanced techniques like optogenetics to manipulate specific brain circuits in animal models, allowing researchers to observe the resulting cardiovascular responses. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for stress-related heart conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases linked to stress, particularly in women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of stress and cardiovascular health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bouchet, Courtney Anne — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Bouchet, Courtney Anne
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.