Investigating how stress affects the aorta and heart health
Official title: Stress-Induced Signaling in Aortopathy
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11071459 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how long-term stress can affect heart health, especially how it might lead to problems like aortic aneurysms, and it hopes to find ways to help people manage their stress and protect their hearts better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HL172645-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071459 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing chronic psychological stress or those diagnosed with PTSD who are at risk for cardiovascular issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a history of psychological stress or cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between chronic psychological stress and cardiovascular issues, particularly focusing on how stress can lead to conditions like aortic aneurysms. It examines the role of the amygdala and its pathways in regulating blood pressure and how neurosteroids like allopregnanolone may help mitigate these effects. By studying animal models, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind stress-induced hypertension and its impact on aortic health, potentially leading to new treatment strategies for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from stress-related cardiovascular diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the relationship between stress and cardiovascular health, particularly with the use of neurosteroids in animal models.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holman, Heather L. — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Holman, Heather L.
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.