The impact of environmental pollutants on heart health in postmenopausal women

Circulating levels of Persistent Organic Pollutants and Subclinical Atherosclerosis progression in Postmenopausal women

NIH-funded research University of Southern California · NIH-10897873

This study is looking at how long-term exposure to certain harmful chemicals in the environment might affect heart health in postmenopausal women by checking changes in their blood and arteries over five years.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Southern California NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10897873 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) affects the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women. By analyzing blood samples over a five-year period, the study aims to understand the long-term effects of these pollutants on cardiovascular health. Participants will be monitored for changes in carotid intima-media thickness, a key indicator of atherosclerosis. The research seeks to fill a gap in knowledge regarding the impact of environmental toxins on heart disease in this specific population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are postmenopausal women who may have been exposed to environmental pollutants.

Not a fit: Patients who are not postmenopausal or those without exposure to persistent organic pollutants may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been some success in similar studies abroad, this research focuses on a unique cohort in the US and aims to explore untested associations.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, 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 Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.