Understanding why women are more susceptible to high blood pressure from high-fat diets than men
Official title: Mechanisms Driving Enhanced Susceptibility of Females versus Males to High-Fat Diet-Induced Increases in High Blood Pressure
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-10918125 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how eating a high-fat diet affects blood pressure in women differently than in men, and it wants to understand how the immune system plays a part in this, so we can find better ways to help women manage high blood pressure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $279,177 |
| NIH project number | 5U54HL169191-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10918125 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adult women who consume high-fat diets and are experiencing elevated blood pressure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume high-fat diets or who are not experiencing hypertension may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a high-fat diet affects blood pressure differently in females compared to males. It focuses on the immune system's role in this process, particularly how certain immune cells are activated in response to a high-fat diet. The study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind increased blood pressure in women, especially those who consume high levels of saturated fat. By examining these differences, the research hopes to provide insights into better management of hypertension in women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted dietary recommendations and treatments for women at risk of hypertension due to high-fat diets.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that dietary factors significantly influence blood pressure, but this specific focus on sex differences in response to high-fat diets is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sullivan, Jennifer C — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Sullivan, Jennifer C
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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.