Research
Objectives
The CABLES Lab aims to advance knowledge at the intersection of cardiovascular and brain health by investigating how biological, behavioral, and social factors shape brain development and aging. Our integrative research combines lifestyle behaviors (physical activity, sleep, nicotine use, diet patterns), cardiovascular metrics (normal weight, blood pressure, HbA1c, lipid levels), Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and social determinants of health to illuminate brain development and aging across the lifespan. We also seek to quantify dose-response effects of these behaviors on brain development, evaluating how regular engagement in MVPA and adequate sleep contribute to healthier trajectories of cognitive and brain aging across the lifespan—from childhood to older adulthood. Finally, we evaluate potential health disparities in the associations among cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and brain development. Additionally, we investigate how social determinants of health influence, amplify, or mitigate these relationships across diverse populations and life stages.
Projects
Enhancing Pediatric Health Equity for Cardiovascular & Brain Health Outcomes
Childhood and adolescence are critical periods for brain development and overall health. Hypertension and metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes are becoming more prevalent in the pediatric population, raising questions about their potential to impair brain development and function. The social determinants of health (SDOH) can exacerbate or mitigate the effects of these conditions. This project leverages extensive data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study to explore how these factors interact over time to affect neurodevelopment and cognitive outcomes in a diverse cohort of children transitioning into adolescence. This project is being developed with Jack Virostko, PhD, MSCI, Associate Professor with the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School.
Longitudinal Study of Sleep Disorders and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Adolescents
This longitudinal project leverages the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study to examine how various sleep disorders influence cardiovascular outcomes in adolescents over time. The study tracks sleep patterns and disorders using validated devices and multimodal assessments, and investigates their links to blood pressure and metabolic health. Findings will clarify how disturbed sleep during adolescence shapes both immediate and longer-term cardiovascular risk, providing insights critical for early detection, intervention, and prevention strategies among youth
External Validity of Heart Failure Risk Prediction Models in Brazil
Our study aims to predict negative cardiovascular outcomes in adults using advanced algorithms trained on data from two cohort studies: MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) and ELSA (The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health). In the MESA dataset, we will apply ecological, sociodemographic, economic, and lifestyle factors to train five machine learning algorithms—artificial neural networks, extra trees, random forests, CatBoost, and Extreme Gradient Boosting. Seventy percent of the participants will be used for training, while the remaining 30% will assess algorithm performance on new, unseen data. Predictive accuracy will be tested for heart failure, stroke, and myocardial infarction. In the ELSA dataset, we will evaluate predictive performance for negative prognosis of heart failure, stroke, and myocardial infarction, and death.
