Understanding Aortic Valve Hardening with Advanced Imaging
Official title: Advanced Non-invasive Imaging in the Investigation of Aortic Stenosis Pathobiology
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11160526 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses advanced imaging to better understand why heart valves harden, especially in older adults, hoping to find new ways to slow down or stop the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $700,437 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL165422-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11160526 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are older adults, typically 65 and above, who have been diagnosed with aortic stenosis, especially in its earlier stages.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who already have severe aortic stenosis requiring immediate surgical intervention may not directly benefit from this foundational research.
What this research studies
Aortic stenosis is a common heart condition in older adults where the heart's aortic valve stiffens and narrows, often requiring surgery. Currently, there are no medications to prevent or slow this process once it starts. This research uses special non-invasive imaging techniques to look closely at the changes happening in the aortic valve. By understanding the tiny cell-level changes that cause the valve to harden, we hope to discover new ways to treat this condition without surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medications that slow or stop the progression of aortic stenosis, potentially delaying or preventing the need for valve replacement surgery.
How similar studies have gone: This research builds upon findings in animal models that suggest a role for blood platelets in the development of aortic stenosis, offering a novel direction for human therapy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lindner, Jonathan R — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Lindner, Jonathan R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Investigating how stiffening of the aorta from elastin loss causes SVAS
A new NIH grant is exploring why elastin loss leads to supravalvular aortic stenosis and how abnormal smooth muscle cell signaling causes the aorta to narrow in children.
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Risk prediction for aortic stenosis and how statins might help in adults 75 and older
This grant seeks to identify which adults over 75 are at high risk for aortic valve disease and how statin therapy could influence that risk.
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AI-powered screening and monitoring for aortic stenosis in older adults
A powerful new AI-based approach uses a simple heart rhythm test and a hand-held ultrasound to detect and monitor advanced aortic valve narrowing in people aged 65 and older.
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Linking normal aortic valve blood flow patterns to risk of aortic valve narrowing
This grant studies how normal differences in how the aortic valve moves and carries blood might influence who develops aortic stenosis.
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Chronic Kidney Disease and Aortic Valve Disease: Understanding How Kidney Disease Influences Aortic Stenosis
This grant looks at how chronic kidney disease may affect the progression of aortic stenosis and whether we can find ways to slow it down for adults with kidney issues.
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Advanced non-invasive imaging to understand aortic stenosis biology
Aging adults with aortic stenosis may benefit from new imaging-based research to slow disease progression and reduce need for valve procedures.
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.