How stress affects heart health differently in men and women

Cortical-hypothalamic control of the cardiovascular consequences of stress

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11051764

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

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCOLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (FORT COLLINS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11051764 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic stress or those with a history of cardiovascular issues, especially women.

Not a fit: Patients who do not experience stress-related cardiovascular problems or those with unrelated heart conditions may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

FORT COLLINS, 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 →

Conditions: Affective Disorders

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.