How stress and air pollution affect heart health
Official title: Synergistic Effects of Stress and Traffic-Related Air Pollution on Cardiovascular Health
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11043328 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress and air pollution from traffic can affect heart health, especially for people who might be more at risk, to help find better ways to protect everyone’s heart.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | March 10, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $692,869 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES033472-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043328 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in urban areas with high traffic-related air pollution and those experiencing chronic stress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in areas affected by significant traffic-related air pollution or who do not experience stress may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the combined effects of stress and traffic-related air pollution on cardiovascular health, particularly focusing on how these factors interact to influence heart disease. The study aims to understand the biological mechanisms behind these interactions and identify vulnerable populations who may be at greater risk. By analyzing both chronic and acute stress responses alongside exposure to air pollution, the research seeks to develop better models for assessing health risks and potential interventions. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to targeted health strategies and improved public health policies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health interventions and policies that reduce the impact of stress and air pollution on heart health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that both stress and air pollution independently affect cardiovascular health, but this study aims to explore their synergistic effects, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wexler, Anthony Stein — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Wexler, Anthony Stein
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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.