Investigating aortic changes in endurance athletes
Aortic Dilatation in Endurance Athletes: A Physiologic and Mechanistic Study
This study is looking at how long-distance exercise might change the aorta in athletes, to find out if the aorta getting bigger is just a normal part of being active or if it could be a health issue, and it’s for athletes who want to learn more about their heart health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10885086 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how endurance exercise affects the aorta in athletes. It aims to explore whether the enlargement of the aorta seen in some athletes is a normal adaptation to exercise or a potential health concern. By studying a large group of endurance athletes, the research will assess the natural history and physiological mechanisms behind aortic dilatation. Patients participating in this research may undergo various assessments, including imaging and physiological evaluations, to gather data on their cardiovascular health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are endurance athletes who engage in high levels of physical activity and may be experiencing cardiovascular changes.
Not a fit: Patients who do not participate in endurance sports or have pre-existing cardiovascular conditions unrelated to exercise may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into the cardiovascular health of endurance athletes and inform guidelines for safe exercise practices.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that exercise can lead to adaptations in the cardiovascular system, but the specific effects on the aorta in endurance athletes are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Churchill, Timothy — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Churchill, Timothy
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 below.