NIH-funded research U01 cooperative agreement

Investigating the link between PTSD symptoms and heart disease risk in a diverse group of first responders.

Official title: Association of PTSD dose with cardiovascular disease risk in multi-ethnic WTC Heart Cohort: 13 year follow up

Funded at Queens College · NIH-10886484 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how long and how intense PTSD symptoms can affect the heart health of first responders, and it aims to help us understand this connection better by following a diverse group of participants over time.

More Cardiovascular Disease research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionQueens College
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Flushing, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2022
Project endJune 30, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$599,297
NIH project number5U01OH012265-03
Project IDNIH-10886484 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include first responders who have experienced PTSD symptoms, particularly those involved in the World Trade Center Health Program.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have PTSD or are not first responders may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research examines how the duration and severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms may influence the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among first responders. By utilizing a longitudinal study that tracks PTSD symptoms and CVD risk factors over time, the research aims to gather observational data that can provide insights into the relationship between PTSD and heart health. Participants will be part of a multi-ethnic cohort, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of these associations across different populations.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for cardiovascular diseases in individuals suffering from PTSD.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated a potential link between PTSD and cardiovascular disease, suggesting that this research could build on established findings.

Where this research is happening

  • Queens College
    Flushing, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Morabia, Alfredo — Queens College
  • Study coordinator: Morabia, Alfredo

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Treating PTSD to lower heart disease risk in veterans

    This project looks at whether effective PTSD treatments can reduce heart disease and death risk for veterans with PTSD.

    NIH research University of California Los Angeles · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11264826

  • PTSD Symptoms and Heart Health in WTC Responders

    This project explores how the duration and severity of PTSD symptoms are connected to the risk of heart disease in World Trade Center first responders.

    NIH research Queens College · Flushing, United States · NIH-11074516

  • Investigating how PTSD treatments affect heart disease risk

    This study is looking at how different treatments for PTSD might help lower the chances of heart problems in veterans, using health records from over 2 million people to see which therapies work best.

    NIH research University of California Los Angeles · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11028141

  • Understanding how genetic changes in blood cells relate to heart disease in people with HIV

    A study will look at how age-related blood cell mutations and large chromosomal changes might contribute to heart disease risk in people living with HIV.

    NIH research University of California Los Angeles · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11642564

  • Understanding how PTSD affects self-control and brain function

    Researchers are studying how PTSD changes the brain’s control over thoughts and actions, and how this might affect Veterans’ daily lives and responses to treatment.

    NIH research VA Boston Health Care System · Boston, United States · NIH-11617299

  • Food allergy antibodies linked to heart disease risk in adults

    Many adults have antibodies to foods without symptoms, and this study asks whether those antibodies are linked to higher risk of heart disease and related conditions.

    NIH research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill, United States · NIH-11616512

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.