Investigating how child maltreatment affects heart disease risk through psychological and immune factors

Child maltreatment and cardiovascular disease risk: examining psychosocial and immunological pathways in a prospective, longitudinal cohort

NIH-funded research Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-10996182

This study looks at how tough experiences in childhood, like abuse or neglect, might affect heart health later in life by comparing kids who have faced these challenges with those who haven't, helping us understand the connection between early hardships and heart problems as adults.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (University Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-10996182 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research examines the long-term effects of child maltreatment on cardiovascular disease risk by exploring the psychological and immunological pathways involved. It involves a longitudinal study of youth aged 8-13 who have been investigated for maltreatment, comparing them with peers who have not experienced such trauma. By analyzing biopsychosocial data and immune function outcomes, the study aims to uncover the biological mechanisms linking early life adversity to later health issues. This research seeks to improve understanding of how childhood experiences can impact heart health in adulthood.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include youth aged 8-13 who have been investigated for child maltreatment.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced child maltreatment or are outside the age range of 8-13 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and intervention strategies for cardiovascular disease in individuals with a history of child maltreatment.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that early life stressors can significantly impact long-term health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

University Park, 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.
Conditions aging associated diseaseaging associated disordersaging related diseaseaging related disorders
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.