Note: This study is currently only recruiting patients in the hospital.

If you are interested in being notified if this study begins recruiting from the general population, please use the 'I Am Interested' button below.

Stress and Cardiovascular Health

The purpose of this research study is to learn about the effects of stress on the brain and disease of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease or CVD).

Massachusetts General Hospital Heart Diseases Stress
5 hours over 2 sessions
Estimated Time Commitment
Any Gender, 40-65 years
May Be Eligible
Payment up to $200
May Be Offered
Survey, Personal health tracking, Blood draw, Injection or IV, MRI scan, PET scan
May Be Required
 
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Enrollment for this study is expected to close on Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Overview

What we are studying

The purpose of this research study is to learn about the effects of stress on the brain and disease of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease or CVD). The research team would like to collect information from people at risk for CVD using questionnaires, blood and hair sample collection, and a non-invasive imaging technique called positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI). 


Why it is important

Studying this information may help researchers understand how reducing stress might help people at risk for CVD.


What we hope to accomplish

Principal Investigator

Ahmed Tawakol, MD

Massachusetts General Hospital

Public Profile

Contact

Click I Am Interested "I Am Interested" "I Am Interested" to get started. If you have questions, contact:

Alula Assefa
Clinical Research Coordinator

aassefa2@mgh.harvard.edu
(617) 724-2209

Taha Ahmad
Clinical Research Coordinator

tzahmad@mgh.harvard.edu
(617) 724-3179

Who can participate

You may qualify to take part in this research study if you are:



  • Age between 40 and 65 years of age and

  • Have a moderate-to-high risk for CVD, defined as >5% 10-year risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) or a Coronary Calcium Score (CAC) greater than 0. The ASCVD risk score is a national guideline developed by ACC and calculates your 10-year risk of having a cardiovascular problem, such as heart attack or stroke.

Who cannot participate

You may not qualify for this study if you are:



  • Older than 65

  • Have experienced an ASCVD event

  • Have a psychiatric disorder (Subjects diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety will NOT be excluded)

  • Use of psychotropic medications except for antidepressants,

  • Have a neurologic disease

  • Have chronic autoimmune or inflammatory diseases

  • Have cancer with ongoing treatment

  • Use of systemic anti-inflammatory medications (i.e., steroids, methotrexate, colchicine)

  • Use of β-blockers

  • Have a weight >300lbs (MR scanner limit)

  • Have heart failure

  • Have chronic kidney disease

  • Have uncontrolled blood glucose (contraindication for PET)

  • Are currently pregnant

  • Have cognitive disabilities that impair the ability to comply with instructions or provide informed consent

What you may be asked to do

If you choose to take part, you will be asked to



  • Participate in two study visits, one screening and one imaging visit, on separate days no more than 8 weeks apart. The imaging visit lasts approximately 4 hours

  • During the screening visit, you will be asked questions about your background, medical history, medications you take, and any mental health conditions you have experienced. You will also have your blood taken to see if you can continue with the study.

  • The imaging visit consists of questionnaires, hair collection, blood draw, and a PET/MRI imaging session.


Project activities may include:

  • Survey
  • Personal health tracking
  • Blood draw
  • Injection or IV
  • MRI scan
  • PET scan

Estimated Time Commitment

5 hours over 2 sessions

What You May Get

If you agree to take part in this study, you will be paid $50 for the screening visit and $150 for the imaging visit via check. 

Location

Massachusetts General Hospital
55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114

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Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging
149 13th St, Boston, MA 02129

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Travel

  • Accessible by public transportation
  • Parking available
  • Parking reimbursed

Travel and Parking Details

Parking passes will be provided. 

Additional Information

Participating Institutions


Funding Source

  • Other
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