Understanding how nerve activity affects heart disease
Official title: Peripheral Sympathetic Dysfunction in Cardiac Disease
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11132949 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how nerve activity affects heart problems like high blood pressure and heart failure, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent dangerous heart rhythms and help patients feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $617,527 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL146833-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11132949 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from hypertension or heart failure who are at risk for arrhythmias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cardiovascular conditions or those who do not experience arrhythmias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of nerve activity in heart diseases like hypertension and heart failure, which can lead to dangerous heart rhythms. It focuses on how the sympathetic nervous system, particularly the activity of certain neurons, contributes to these conditions. By examining the mechanisms that increase nerve activity in the heart, the research aims to identify new ways to reduce arrhythmias and improve patient outcomes. The study will involve both animal models and human data to explore these connections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening heart rhythms in patients with heart disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting peripheral nerve activity can effectively reduce arrhythmias, suggesting that this approach may yield significant results.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Habecker, Beth a — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Habecker, Beth a
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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.