Understanding how mental stress affects heart function in women with coronary microvascular dysfunction

Mental Stress Reactivity in Women with Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction

NIH-funded research Emory University · NIH-11254974

This study is looking at how stress affects the heart in women with coronary microvascular dysfunction, hoping to learn more about how stress impacts heart health and find better ways to help manage their symptoms.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-11254974 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how mental stress impacts heart function in women diagnosed with coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD). It aims to understand the relationship between psychological stress and heart health by measuring how the heart's blood vessels respond to stress. Using advanced imaging techniques, the study will assess the flow of blood in the heart during stress and explore the underlying mechanisms that may contribute to symptoms experienced by these women. The goal is to provide insights that could lead to better treatment options for CMD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women who experience symptoms of heart issues but have been diagnosed with coronary microvascular dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have coronary microvascular dysfunction or those with obstructive coronary artery disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for women suffering from heart-related symptoms despite having no obstructive coronary artery disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that understanding the effects of stress on heart function can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, 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.