Investigating heart protection strategies for aging populations

BLR&D Merit Review Research Career Scientist Award Application

NIH-funded research VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-11052317

This study is looking at how getting older affects heart health, especially for veterans, and aims to find ways to protect the heart from stress and injury so that older adults can have better heart health and lower their risk of heart problems.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Diego, United States)
Project IDNIH-11052317 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how aging affects heart function and the increased risk of cardiovascular issues in older adults, particularly veterans. It aims to identify molecular targets that can be therapeutically targeted to protect the heart from stress and injury. By exploring the role of caveolin proteins and other mediators, the research seeks to develop interventions that could improve heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in high-risk patients. The approach combines basic science with potential clinical applications to address significant health challenges associated with aging.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, especially veterans, who are at high risk for cardiovascular events due to aging and related comorbidities.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger and do not have cardiovascular risk factors or related health issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that protect the heart and improve outcomes for older adults at risk of cardiovascular disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting molecular pathways for heart protection, indicating that this approach may lead to meaningful advancements in cardiovascular treatment.

Where this research is happening

San Diego, 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 2026-06-13 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.