The impact of volunteering on heart health across different ancestry groups
Official title: Volunteering, Polygenic Risk, and Cardiovascular Biomarkers in Multiple Ancestry Groups
Funded at Texas State University · NIH-11012818 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how volunteering might help improve heart health, especially for people over 50 from different backgrounds, by checking if it lowers things like blood pressure and inflammation over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Marcos, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $400,713 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL171806-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012818 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over the age of 50, particularly those who are involved in or considering volunteering activities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 50 or those who do not engage in volunteering may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how volunteering affects cardiovascular health, particularly focusing on various ancestry groups. It aims to understand whether sustained volunteering can lead to improvements in cardiovascular disease biomarkers, such as blood pressure and inflammation, especially in adults over 50. The study will analyze existing data from the Health and Retirement Study to explore the relationship between volunteering and heart health over a decade, while considering genetic and behavioral factors. By examining these connections, the research seeks to provide insights into how social engagement can influence health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cardiovascular health strategies for older adults through increased volunteering.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown positive associations between volunteering and cardiovascular health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas State University
San Marcos, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Seoyoun — Texas State University
- Study coordinator: Kim, Seoyoun
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.