Understanding stress and PTSD after heart attacks

Posttraumatic Stress and Stress Reactivity After Myocardial Infarction

NIH-funded research Miriam Hospital · NIH-11031377

This study is looking at how PTSD symptoms can influence stress and heart health in people who have had a heart attack, helping us understand why some may face more health challenges afterward.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMiriam Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Providence, United States)
Project IDNIH-11031377 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms affect stress responses in patients who have experienced a heart attack. It aims to identify the biological and behavioral pathways that link PTSD to increased risks of rehospitalization and mortality. By monitoring patients' blood pressure and stress levels over time, the study seeks to uncover how these factors interact and impact cardiovascular health. The research will also provide training for a new clinical scientist to enhance understanding in this area.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults who have recently suffered a myocardial infarction and are experiencing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced a myocardial infarction or do not exhibit PTSD symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for heart attack survivors experiencing PTSD, potentially reducing their risk of rehospitalization and mortality.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing PTSD in cardiac patients can lead to improved health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

Providence, 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 2026-06-09 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.