Investigating arterial stiffness in mothers and infants to prevent heart disease

Arterial stiffness in mother/infant dyads: Life course approach to prevent cardiovascular disease

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11170261

This study is looking at how stiff arteries can impact the heart health of moms and their babies during and after pregnancy, especially for non-Hispanic Black and Latina women, to help create better care practices that keep both mothers and their children healthy.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11170261 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how arterial stiffness affects both mothers and their infants, particularly during and after pregnancy. By measuring central pulse wave velocity, a key indicator of vascular health, the study aims to identify cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks that are often overlooked in women, especially among non-Hispanic Black and Latina populations. The research will involve a cohort of 840 pregnant women and their infants, tracking health outcomes for three years postpartum. The goal is to develop effective care practices that can reduce CVD risk for both mothers and their children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women, particularly those who are healthy or have medical complications, and their infants.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or who do not have a connection to maternal health may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing cardiovascular disease in women and their children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that early detection of cardiovascular risks during pregnancy can lead to better health outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.