The American Heart Association (AHA) has announced a $15 million commitment in support of efforts to study the biological mechanisms of chronic stress that can increase cardiovascular disease risk. 

As part of AHA’s Strategically Focused Research Network (SFRN) on Biologic Pathways of Chronic Psychosocial Stressors on Cardiovascular Health, the organization awarded scientific research grants to teams from Ohio State University, University of California, Davis, and Virginia Commonwealth University. Funding will include a collaborative research project across all three groups, as well as four-year grant projects. With the launch of SFRN, the association has invested more than $263 million to establish 15 network centers.

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. 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 AHA volunteer president Michelle A. Albert. “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.” 

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