Understanding how the nervous system affects blood pressure in people with autism
Official title: The Role of Sympathetic Nervous System Activity on Blood Pressure Regulation in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Funded at San Jose State University · NIH-10764239 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why people with Autism Spectrum Disorder often have higher blood pressure and heart problems, and it will measure how their nervous system reacts during exercise to help find ways to manage blood pressure better for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Jose State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Jose, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $144,159 |
| NIH project number | 5SC2GM144165-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10764239 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder who may experience hypertension or cardiovascular issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or those who do not have hypertension may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the reasons behind higher blood pressure and cardiovascular disease rates in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It focuses on measuring sympathetic nerve activity directly, which has not been done before in this population. By examining how the nervous system responds during exercise, the study aims to identify the mechanisms that lead to increased blood pressure. The findings could pave the way for future interventions to manage blood pressure in individuals with ASD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing blood pressure and reducing cardiovascular risks in individuals with autism.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited research on this topic, the approach of directly measuring sympathetic nerve activity in ASD is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
San Jose State University
San Jose, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jensen, Areum Kim — San Jose State University
- Study coordinator: Jensen, Areum Kim
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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.