# NIH grant: It's interpersonal: Relationship quality, behavioral-social rhythms, and cardiovascular disease risk among middle-aged couples (1K01HL179264-01A1) — retained record

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[original source ↗](https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/1K01HL179264-01A1)

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NIH grant 1K01HL179264-01A1: It's interpersonal: Relationship quality, behavioral-social rhythms, and cardiovascular disease risk among middle-aged couples
Institute: {'code': 'HL', 'abbreviation': 'NHLBI', 'name': 'National Heart Lung and Blood Institute', 'admin_org_id': '12500068', 'admin_funding_url': ''}. PI: Eunjin  Tracy. Award: $169415.
Start: 2026-06-25T00:00:00.
Project Summary/Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of death among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D),
exacerbated by the adverse effects of high blood glucose on cardiovascular health. This K01 proposal
investigates the complex interrelationships between sleep, circadian rhythms, and marital dynamics in managing
CVD risk. The study employs a novel dyadic approach and will explore how behavioral-social rhythms and
relationship quality within couples have an impact on CVD biomarkers, where 1) both partners are overweight
or obese and 2) at least one partner has T2D at least one partner has T2D. These couples are at risk for and
likely to show daily variability in blood glucose (BG) levels94. This study will recruit 100 middle-aged couples to
advance understanding of the factors contributing to increased CVD risk. Over an intensive 20-day period, real-
world, real-time data will be collected using ecological momentary assessments (EMA), actigraphy, and blinded
continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). The study's primary objectives are to examine the interdependence of
behavioral–social rhythms between partners and their associations with CVD risk biomarkers, investigate the
links between relationship quality and behavioral–social rhythms, and determine how behavioral–social rhythms
mediate the associations between relationship quality and CVD risk biomarkers. The project will explore how
partners mutually influence each other’s health outcomes by utilizing the actor–partner interdependence model.
This research aligns with NIH’s mission by offering novel insights into the circadian mechanisms that underlie
health and disease, setting the stage for a subsequent R01 to explore long-term cardiovascular outcomes and
create novel non-invasive dyadic interventions. The K01 career development award will support acquiring
essential skills and knowledge, enhancing the candidate’s capability as an independent researcher at the nexus
of health, sleep and circadian science, and family systems. Training will be provided in several key areas: (1)
gaining conceptual and methodological expertise in obesity and T2D-related CVD risk with the supervision of Dr.
Kanaley and Dr. Manrique-Acevedo; (2) developing skills in EMA data organization, management,
conceptualization, and analysis with the supervision of Dr. Trull; (3) gaining expertise in the role of sleep and
circadian rhythms in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases with the supervision of Dr. Buysse and Dr. Kanaley;
and (4) strengthening methodologies for managing and analyzing high-dimensional, intensively monitored data
with the supervision of Dr. Trull and Dr. Huang. Supported by a multidisciplinary mentoring team, this project is
poised to significantly advance the candidate’s potential to lead innovative research on how behavioral–social
rhythms within marital relationships affect chronic disease outcomes, thereby informing long-term interventions
to mitigate CVD risks associated with diabetes. This K01 proposal is set to fill significant research gaps and
equip an emerging scholar with the comprehensive skill set required to lead interdisciplinary research aimed at
mitigating CVD risks, making a substantial contribution to public health.
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