Understanding blood flow issues in small coronary blood vessels

Vascular dysfunction in coronary microcirculation

NIH-funded research Texas Tech University Health Scis Center · NIH-10978214

This study looks at how problems with tiny blood vessels in the heart can affect heart health, especially after a heart attack, and it aims to find ways to improve blood flow by understanding how a key molecule called nitric oxide is impacted during heart injury, which could help patients manage or prevent issues related to coronary heart disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTexas Tech University Health Scis Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Lubbock, United States)
Project IDNIH-10978214 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how vascular dysfunction in the coronary microcirculation contributes to heart conditions, particularly after events like heart attacks. The study focuses on the role of nitric oxide, an important molecule for blood vessel relaxation, and how its production is affected during injury to the heart. By examining the mechanisms that lead to the loss of nitric oxide production, the research aims to identify potential interventions that could improve blood flow and heart health. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how to better manage or prevent complications related to coronary heart disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from coronary heart disease or those who have experienced a myocardial infarction.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cardiovascular related conditions or those without any history of heart disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve blood flow and reduce heart damage in patients with coronary heart disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of nitric oxide in cardiovascular health, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Lubbock, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.