Examining how psychological stress affects heart and brain health in midlife adults
Official title: Cerebrovascular Health and Resilience in Midlife
Run by University of Pittsburgh · NCT06029348 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years to 59 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 450 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation, prednisone |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 17, 2023 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2029 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | September 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06029348 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, major neurological disorders, or those currently using certain medications may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Other studies have shown promising results in understanding the relationship between psychological stress and cardiovascular health, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.