How stress affects heart health through brain circuits
Official title: Prefrontal-hypothalamic circuitry mediates chronic stress-induced cardiovascular susceptibility
Funded at Colorado State University · NIH-11056695 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how stress affects heart health by looking at certain brain areas that help us handle stress, and it aims to find out if there are differences between men and women in this process, so we can better understand how long-term stress might lead to heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $546,269 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL173525-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056695 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic stress or those at risk for stress-related cardiovascular issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience chronic stress or have no cardiovascular risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neurobiological mechanisms by which stress impacts cardiovascular health. It focuses on specific brain circuits in the prefrontal cortex that are involved in how we perceive and respond to stress, particularly looking at differences between males and females. By studying these brain pathways, the research aims to understand how chronic stress can lead to heart problems and other cardiovascular issues. The approach includes examining the interactions between brain signals and the body's stress responses, using animal models to gather insights that could be relevant to humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases linked to stress.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the brain's role in 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: Myers, Brent Philip — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Myers, Brent Philip
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Executive Function Enhancement for Young Children with Down Syndrome
A caregiver-guided program for kids with Down syndrome aged up to 11 to strengthen their thinking skills during early childhood.
-
Center for Bat One Health: investigating bat health and spillover risk
A center in West Africa and the U.S. will study how bat biology and environmental stressors influence virus shedding and the chance of viruses jumping to people.
-
Center for Bat One Health Investigations and Outbreak Response
A national research center will study how bat stress from heat and human activity affects bat biology and viruses to understand spillover risks to people.
-
Center for Bat One Health Investigations, Research, and Outbreak Response
A center focused on how stressors like heat and human activity affect bats and the viruses they carry, to help prevent spillover to people.
-
Executive Function Support for Young Children with Down Syndrome
A caregiver-led program helps young children with Down syndrome build executive function skills during a 12-week period.
-
How malaria spreads and resists treatment in different parts of Burkina Faso
This project looks at how different mosquitoes, parasites, and human factors shape malaria risk across communities in Burkina Faso.
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.