The Pulmonary Hypertension Association recently announced it is offering junior investigators who are interested in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) a two-year grant.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic and progressive form of high blood pressure (hypertension) in the lungs that causes the pulmonary arteries to thicken or harden over time.
“Blood pressure” commonly refers to the blood circulation system that moves oxygenated blood through the left side of the heart to the body. There’s also a circulation system in the lungs for deoxygenated blood coming from the heart via the pulmonary artery. Normal pulmonary artery pressure is about 14 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) at rest. Pressure in the pulmonary artery above 25 mm Hg at rest is considered pulmonary hypertension.
Pulmonary hypertension can happen when the tiny arteries of the lungs become narrow or blocked. Thus, the heart has to work harder than usual to force blood through and receive oxygen, and as a result, less oxygen-rich blood gets to the brain and body. Over time, the heart muscle weakens or becomes damaged, risking failure.
About 500-1,000 new cases of PAH are diagnosed in the United States each year; the incidence in Europe is similar. It’s twice as common in women than men. Women between 30-60 years old are usually affected.
Symptoms:
Some people have no PAH symptoms until the disease has progressed considerably. Signs and symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath (called dyspnea) during exertion/increased activity
- Fainting, dizziness
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Swelling in ankles and legs
Aldrighetti Research Award
The Aldrighetti Research Award is awarded to young investigators studying pulmonary arterial hypertension to support them in their growing career. According to the grant’s guidelines, the proposals should investigate the pathophysiology of PAH, toward elucidating mechanistic pathways and identifying novel therapeutic targets or biomarkers in adult or pediatric pulmonary hypertension. The young researcher will be picked based upon merit and the likeliness of the junior investigator to make a strong, long-term impact on PAH research.
A Great Opportunity
The two-year grant is in partnership with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical company that is owned by Johnson & Johnson and specializes in the research and development activities related to a vast range of medical disorders. The grant will cover up to $40,000 each year for salaries and/or supplies that will be needed.
The deadline to apply is March 15, 2022 at 5.pm. If you are a junior investigator studying pulmonary arterial hypertension, this grant is a great opportunity for you.
To learn more about the award and the guidelines to apply, visit https://phassociation.org/junior-investigators-make-an-impact-on-pah-research/
