DALLAS, May 4, 2023 — Teams of research scientists from three universities will lead an innovative $15 million project to study the biological mechanisms of chronic stress that can increase cardiovascular disease risk. The Strategically Focused Research Network (SFRN) on Biologic Pathways of Chronic Psychosocial Stressors on Cardiovascular Health of the American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization dedicated to a world of longer, healthier lives, will focus on learning more about how the body responds to chronic stress, as well as how certain interventions may help reduce health risks.
Chronic stress is recognized as an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, and it is known to negatively impact the overall health of people living with heart disease. Psychosocial stressors are those having both a psychological and social component, and include conditions and situations such as work, relationship or marriage difficulties; living in isolation; a lack of social support or basic resources among others.
“A single, stressful situation sets off a chain of events, the body releases adrenaline, a hormone that temporarily causes breathing and heart rate to speed up and blood pressure to rise. These reactions trigger a ‘fight or flight’ response,” said Michelle A. Albert, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, 2022-23 volunteer president of the American Heart Association. “When a person is constantly exposed to this kind of stress, the long-term activation of the body’s stress response system, along with increased inflammation and the prolonged exposure to cortisol and other stress hormones, takes a significant toll on the cardiovascular system.”
According to Albert, people of color face a greater risk of poor health outcomes due to chronic stress, depression and anxiety linked to psychosocial stressors, particularly those related to social and economic inequality, discrimination, systemic racism and other societal factors.
“While we continue to learn more about the societal triggers that lead to chronic stress, we need to also have a better understanding of the specific cellular and molecular signaling pathways activated in response to chronic psychosocial stressors. And we need to identify specific stress interventions at population levels and determine how those interventions relate to underlying molecular mechanisms,” said Albert, who is the Walter A Haas-Lucie Stern Endowed Chair and professor of medicine, director of the CeNter for the StUdy of AdveRsiTy and CardiovascUlaR DiseasE (NURTURE Center) and associate dean of admissions at the University of California, San Francisco. “The multidisciplinary teams working on this new initiative bring extensive experience and expertise, along with the commitment and passion needed to make a real impact.”
The funding will include a collaborative research project across all three groups, as well as the following four-year grant projects, which began on April 1, 2023:
With the launch of this new network, the American Heart Association has now invested more than $263 million to establish a total of 15 Strategically Focused Research Networks , providing an opportunity to address key strategic issues that were identified by the Association’s volunteer Board of Directors. Networks have already been studying prevention; hypertension; disparities in cardiovascular disease and stroke; women’s health; heart failure; obesity; children; vascular disease; atrial fibrillation; arrhythmias/sudden cardiac death; cardiometabolic health/type 2 diabetes, health technology, cardio-oncology and diversity in clinical trials. Each network centers around the scientific knowledge and knowledge gaps, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the key research topic. Four to six research centers make up each network, bringing together investigators with expertise in basic, clinical and population/behavioral health science to find new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent heart disease and stroke.
The American Heart Association has funded more than $5 billion in cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and brain health research since 1949, making it the single largest non-government supporter of heart and brain health research in the U.S. New knowledge resulting from this funding benefits millions of lives in every corner of the U.S. and around the world.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org , Facebook , Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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