Investigating how stress and race affect heart health during and after pregnancy
Allostatic Load and Race: Implications for Cardiovascular Health in Pregnancy and Beyond
This study is looking at how ongoing stress affects heart health during pregnancy for Black individuals, aiming to find out how race-related stress might lead to high blood pressure issues and long-term heart problems, with the hope of improving care and prevention for these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160960 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between allostatic load, which refers to the cumulative burden of chronic stress, and cardiovascular health in pregnant individuals who identify as Black. It aims to understand how race-related stress impacts the risk of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and the long-term cardiovascular outcomes that follow. By analyzing existing data on genetic variations and DNA methylation, the study seeks to uncover biological mechanisms that contribute to health disparities. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved care and prevention strategies for cardiovascular diseases linked to pregnancy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals who identify as Black, particularly those in their first trimester.
Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as Black or who are not currently pregnant may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of cardiovascular risks for Black individuals during and after pregnancy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that understanding the biological impacts of stress and race can lead to significant advancements in addressing health disparities, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ray, Mitali — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Ray, Mitali
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 below.