Understanding how heat, air pollution, and wildfires affect heart failure hospitalizations
Official title: The role of vulnerability and adaptation on the effects of co-occurring heat, air pollution, and wildfire on heart failure hospitalizations
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10980384 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how extreme heat and air pollution from wildfires affect people with heart failure and whether certain strategies can help keep them out of the hospital, so we can better understand and improve health for those at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $752,288 |
| NIH project number | 1P20HL176204-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10980384 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with heart failure, particularly those living in areas affected by high heat and air pollution.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without heart failure or those living in regions not impacted by extreme heat or air pollution may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the combined effects of extreme heat, air pollution from wildfires, and their impact on heart failure hospitalizations. By analyzing electronic medical records and neighborhood data, the study aims to identify how these environmental factors contribute to hospital admissions and readmissions among vulnerable populations. The research will also explore how different adaptation strategies can mitigate these effects, ultimately aiming to inform public health policies. Patients may be monitored over time to assess their health outcomes in relation to these environmental stressors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health strategies that protect vulnerable populations from the adverse effects of climate change on heart health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that environmental factors like heat and air pollution significantly impact health outcomes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garcia, Erika — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Garcia, Erika
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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.