# Collaborative Research: Changes and Impact of Right Ventricle Viscoelasticity Under Acute Stress and Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension

> **NSF 01002324DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · San Diego State University Foundation (CA) · $337,430

## Abstract

The failure of the right ventricle can indicate a higher risk of mortality in diseases like pulmonary hypertension and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. People with these diseases often report exercise intolerance, which suggests that their response to physical stress is impaired. This research project aims to improve our understanding of the mechanical behavior of the right ventricle and how it affects its pumping function. The concept of viscoelasticity, which refers to the immediate (elastic) and delayed (viscous) resistance of cardiac tissue during contraction and relaxation, will be used to study how cellular behavior and the overall performance of the heart are affected. The research will include a comprehensive analysis of the viscoelasticity of the right ventricle tissue and its implications in organ function. The findings of this study could be used to the care and management of approximately 6.7 million heart failure patients, which are projected to increase with the aging population. The research team plans to engage young minds and advance the education of the next generation of bioengineers, with a focus on mentoring women and first-generation students to enhance diversity in the STEM workforce.

The aim of the research is to discover how the ventricle wall viscoelastic properties change under acute stress and chronic pulmonary hypertension and impact organ function. To characterize the tissue biaxial viscoelasticity with disease progression and a

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2547050
- **Awardee organization:** San Diego State University Foundation (CA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** H59JKGFZKHL7
- **PI:** Zhijie Wang
- **Primary program:** 01002324DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** MULTI-SCALE MODELING, BIOMECHANICS, WOMEN, MINORITY, DISABLED, NEC, GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT
- **Estimated total:** $337,430
- **Funds obligated:** $115,117
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 08/15/2025 → 06/30/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2547050

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2547050, Collaborative Research: Changes and Impact of Right Ventricle Viscoelasticity Under Acute Stress and Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2547050. Licensed CC0.

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