Investigating the link between preeclampsia and cardiovascular disease in women
Official title: Cardiovascular disease, preeclampsia, and microchimerism
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10874422 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how having preeclampsia during pregnancy might raise the chances of heart problems for women later on, and it’s exploring how tiny cells from the baby that stay in the mother’s body could play a role in this, all to help find better ways to detect these cells and improve heart health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $163,188 |
| NIH project number | 5K08HL150169-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10874422 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who have had preeclampsia during pregnancy and are at risk for cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced preeclampsia or do not have cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication, may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life for women. It focuses on the role of fetal microchimerism, where fetal cells persist in the mother's body long after pregnancy, potentially influencing health outcomes. The study aims to improve detection methods for these fetal cells and understand their impact on cardiovascular health. By examining the relationship between preeclampsia and cardiovascular disease, the research seeks to uncover underlying mechanisms that could inform future prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of cardiovascular disease in women who have experienced preeclampsia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a connection between pregnancy complications and long-term health risks, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shree, Raj — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Shree, Raj
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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.