Analyzing how neighborhood stress affects women's heart health
Pilot Study for Geospatial Analysis of Neighborhood Environmental Stress in Relation to Biological Markers of Cardiovascular Health and Health Behaviors in Women
This study is trying to see how stress from living in certain neighborhoods affects the heart health of women aged 19-45 in Washington, DC.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Ages | 19 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH |
| Locations | 1 site (Bethesda, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT04014348 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the relationship between neighborhood environmental stressors and cardiovascular health in women aged 19-45 living in Washington, DC. Researchers will measure stress levels, physical activity, and dietary habits using advanced tools like accelerometers and GPS, alongside biological markers obtained through medical examinations. Participants will undergo a two-day visit at the NIH Clinical Center, which includes physical exams, blood tests, and imaging studies to assess heart activity and stress-related neural responses. The goal is to understand how socio-economic factors influence heart disease risk among women.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy White or Black females aged 19-45 living in Washington, DC, with access to a smartphone.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic health conditions, obesity, or severe mental illnesses may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how neighborhood conditions impact women's cardiovascular health, potentially leading to targeted interventions.
How similar studies have performed: While studies have explored social determinants of health, this specific geospatial analysis approach is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: Individuals eligible for this protocol: 1. A healthy self-identified White female (i.e. self-identifies as White or of European descent) or healthy Black female (i.e. self-identifies as Black, African American, or of African descent) 2. Must be between 19 to 45 years of age 3. Must not have any chronic health condition (i.e.: cardiovascular, autoimmune, endocrinologic), or active infection 4. Must be living in Washington, DC 5. Must have access to a smartphone 6. Must be able to provide informed consent 7. Must speak English. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Pregnant or breast feeding 2. Physically unable to perform physical activity for any reason 3. Subject had weight changes greater than 20% over the past 3 months 4. Subject is obese by our measurements (BMI greater than or equal to 35.0 kg/m\^2) 5. If you have high or low blood pressure requiring medications 6. Diabetes 7. History of severe mental illnesses, treated with hospitalization 8. If you have evidence of active thyroid disease requiring medications 9. If you are taking medication for chronic non-mental health related illness (ie: cardiovascular, autoimmune, endocrinologic) 10. If you have food allergies or highly restrictive diets that may prevent your ability to consume a controlled metabolic diet. 11. If you are a current smoker (tobacco products)
Where this trial is running
Bethesda, Maryland
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center — Bethesda, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tiffany M Powell-Wiley, M.D. — National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- Study coordinator: Marie Marah, R.N.
- Email: marie.marah@nih.gov
- Phone: (301) 640-1701
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.