Understanding how heart tissue changes in chronic heart failure
Official title: Cellular Mechanisms of Cardiac ECM Structure and Function
Funded at Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center · NIH-10980518 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the heart react to pressure overload and cause scarring, which makes it harder to treat chronic heart failure, with the goal of finding better ways to help people with this condition feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005943-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10980518 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with chronic heart failure, particularly those experiencing symptoms related to pressure overload.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute heart failure or those without a diagnosis of chronic heart failure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cellular mechanisms that contribute to chronic heart failure (CHF), particularly focusing on how pressure overload affects heart tissue. It aims to identify the roles of specific cells, such as macrophages and fibroblasts, in the development of fibrosis, which is a major barrier to effective treatment. By using advanced animal models and cell cultures, the study seeks to uncover the underlying causes of persistent fibrosis even after normalizing heart pressure. The findings could lead to new strategies for improving heart health in patients with CHF.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for chronic heart failure, enhancing the quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cardiac fibrosis, but this approach focuses on novel cellular mechanisms that have not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bradshaw, Amy D — Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Bradshaw, Amy D
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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.