Investigating heart health risks in women with HIV
Official title: Arterial Inflammation and Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction among Women with HIV: Missing Pieces to the MI Risk Puzzle
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10453446 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why women over 50 with HIV might have a higher chance of heart attacks, and it aims to find out what causes heart problems in them compared to women without HIV, so we can help keep them healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $833,297 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL146267-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10453446 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women aged 50 and older who are living with HIV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not women or those who are younger than 50 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the increased risk of heart attacks in women living with HIV, particularly those aged 50 and older. It aims to identify the underlying mechanisms that contribute to cardiovascular issues, such as arterial inflammation and dysfunction of the small blood vessels in the heart. By using advanced imaging techniques and detailed analysis of immune and endothelial cells, the study will compare women with HIV to those without HIV to uncover critical differences. The findings could lead to targeted prevention strategies for heart disease in this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for heart disease specifically tailored for women living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding cardiovascular risks in HIV populations can lead to significant advancements in patient care, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zanni, Markella V. — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Zanni, Markella V.
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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.