Understanding how pressure overload affects heart muscle fibers and their function.
Official title: What triggers RV Fiber Re-Orientation in response to RV pressure overload, and what is its Consequence on Inter-Ventricular Decoupling?
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11003755 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how high blood pressure in the lungs affects the right side of the heart in kids with pulmonary hypertension, focusing on how the heart's structure changes and how that impacts its function, with the goal of finding new ways to help improve their heart health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $432,207 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL152250-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003755 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pulmonary hypertension who are older than 11 years or those without RV involvement may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of pulmonary hypertension on the right ventricle (RV) of the heart, particularly how pressure overload influences the orientation of collagen and cardiomyocyte fibers. By examining both animal models and computational models, the study aims to uncover the relationship between fiber orientation and RV function, which is often overlooked in current treatments. The research also explores the role of the left ventricle (LV) in supporting RV function, aiming to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve heart performance in children with pulmonary hypertension.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve heart function in children suffering from pulmonary hypertension.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding the mechanics of heart function can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kheyfets, Vitaly — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Kheyfets, Vitaly
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.