Examining how psychological stress affects heart and brain health in midlife adults
Cerebrovascular Health and Resilience in Midlife
This study tests how psychological stress affects heart and brain health in midlife adults by looking at their cardiovascular responses and brain scans in a lab setting.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 450 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 59 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation, prednisone |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06029348 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the cardiovascular responses of midlife adults to psychological stress in a controlled laboratory setting. Participants will complete two sessions involving health assessments, cardiovascular evaluations, and neuropsychological tests, including magnetic resonance imaging. The aim is to explore the relationship between stress-induced cardiovascular changes and cerebrovascular health indicators. By analyzing these associations, the study seeks to enhance understanding of how stress impacts brain and heart health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are midlife adults without a history of clinical cardiovascular disease or dementia who can attend two study visits.
Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, major neurological disorders, or those currently using certain medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how managing psychological stress may improve cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health in midlife adults.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in understanding the relationship between psychological stress and cardiovascular health, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Able to attend 2 study visits at the University of Pittsburgh campus in Oakland (Pennsylvania) * Able to read and speak English Exclusion Criteria: * Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure \>160 or diastolic blood pressure \>100 mmHg) * Current use of anticonvulsant, anti-Parkinson, neuroleptic, or antipsychotic medications * Current use of glucocorticoids (e.g., oral prednisone) or ephedrine * Current chronic conditions of the lungs, liver and kidney, as well as cancer (chemotherapy and radiation) treatment in the past 12 months (allowances are made for non-melanoma skin cancer treatment, controlled asthma, and allergy inhalers) * Self-reported major neurological disorders or brain injuries (e.g., multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, major head injury) * Self-reported psychotic illnesses (mania, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) * Current pregnancy or childbirth within the past 6 months * Suspected mild cognitive impairment or dementia * Self reported sleep apnea * Self-reported history of myocardial infarction, stroke, or revascularization procedures, as well as treatment for cardiac arrhythmias * Self-reported lack of comfort to undergo MRI testing * Presence of implants or objects that are unsafe for MRI (e.g., tattooed eyeliner), as well as any other contraindications that would prevent MRI testing * Self-reported lack of comfort to undergo the laboratory math task
Where this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Peter J Gianaros, PhD — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Peter J Gianaros, PhD
- Email: bnl@pitt.edu
- Phone: 412-624-4500
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.