RecruitingNot Applicable

Geospatial Analysis of Neighborhood Environmental Stress in Relation to Biological Markers of Cardiovascular Health and Health Behaviors in Women

United States250 participantsStarted 2021-10-20

Plain-language summary

Background: Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. Healthy diet and exercise improve heart health. Some features of where a person lives can lead to stress and decrease chances for exercise. Researchers want to see how these factors may increase the risk of heart disease in women. Objective: To see if there are differences in stress levels between women who live in different parts of Washington, DC. Also, to see how these women use their neighborhoods for exercise. Eligibility: Healthy white or black females ages 19-45 who live in Washington, DC, who have access to a smartphone Design: Participants may stay at the NIH Clinical Center overnight for a 2-day visit. Visit 1 will include: Physical exam Blood tests Electrocardiogram: Electrodes on the participant s skin will measure heart activity. PET/CT scan: Participants will get an injection. They will lie in a machine that takes pictures of the body. Surveys Body size measurements Nutrition consultation Blood vessel tests: This is measured with blood pressure cuffs, a device placed on the participant s fingertip, and a probe placed on the participant s neck. Resting Energy Expenditure: Participants will breathe under a clear hood for 45 minutes. Participants will be followed for about 2 weeks. They will wear a device on the wrist and carry a GPS device. Through a mobile app, they will answer short daily surveys on stress and exercise. Visit 2- Device return Nutritional consultation

Who can participate

Age range

19 Years – 45 Years

Sex

FEMALE

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Inclusion criteria

. 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)
. Must be between 19 to 45 years of age
. Must not have any chronic health condition (i.e.: cardiovascular, autoimmune, endocrinologic), or active infection
. Must be living in Washington, DC
. Must have access to a smartphone
. Must be able to provide informed consent
. Must speak English.

Exclusion criteria

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Stress-related neural activity

Timeframe: 1 month

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04014348

SponsorNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Sponsor typeNIH

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2026-12-10

Contact for this trial

Marie Marah, R.N.

(301) 640-1701 marie.marah@nih.gov

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Cardiovascular (CV) Risk trials