๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2025-12-18

Depression, Aging, Stress and Heart Health Study (NCT05570721)

The Comorbidity of Depression and Cardiovascular Disease in Midlife Women: Investigating Novel Biological Pathways of Risk

๐ŸŸข Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic ๐Ÿง  Behavioral & Psychological Program Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

Depression is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and this comorbidity contributes significantly to the morbidity and mortality of women. The menopausal transition or perimenopause is a period of vulnerability for both depression and CVD, making it a key time to study this critical public health issue. This research will preliminarily explore whether disruption in two novel stress pathways 1) the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and autonomic nervous system (ANS) and their relationship may underlie the link between these illnesses. Findings will provide important insight into potential mechanisms by which depression during perimenopause may increase risk for CVD in midlife women, which will inform potential risk reduction and treatment strategies that can improve health outcomes in this population.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill โ€” Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Age range: 44 Years to 55 Years

๐Ÿงช Interventions in This Study

  • Trier Social Stress Test (BEHAVIORAL)

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill โ€” Chapel Hill, North Carolina

๐Ÿ“ž Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (919) 962-9908

Email: margo_nathan@med.unc.edu

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

Explore by condition: All Menopause clinical trials

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—