Using smartphones to help reduce stress and cardiovascular disease risk
Official title: Smartphone-based mindfulness intervention for reducing stressrelated CVD risk
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11080305 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a mindfulness program on your smartphone can help lower stress and improve heart health, especially for those who are more prone to stress and heart issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | June 16, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $238,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R34HL163245-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080305 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who experience chronic stress and are at risk for cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience significant stress or who have pre-existing severe cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a smartphone-based mindfulness program can help reduce stress and its associated risks for cardiovascular disease (CVD). By utilizing mobile health technology, the study aims to provide participants with tools to manage their stress levels effectively. The program includes daily prompts and mindfulness training designed to alter stress exposure and reactivity, particularly in individuals who are more vulnerable to stress and CVD. Participants will be monitored for changes in stress levels and cardiovascular responses to assess the program's effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective, accessible interventions that help patients manage stress and lower their risk of cardiovascular disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using mobile health interventions for stress management, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kamarck, Thomas Wilson — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Kamarck, Thomas Wilson
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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.