The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at NIH has awarded $1.6 million to University researchers, according to a release.

The grant will fund a four-year study of ways to increase parasympathetic activity in the heart, which could aid the body during heart failure. Researchers say the study could help nearly 23 million people worldwide.

David Mendelowitz, the vice chair of the pharmacology and physiology department, said that parasympathetic activity occurs in the heart during relaxing activities like reading. It decreases during heart failure, allowing sympathetic activity, which Mendelowitz said occurs “when you’re stuck on the metro or have an exam tomorrow,” to increase.

“Heart failure is a disease that effects both neuro and cardiac function,” Mendelowitz said.

The research will focus on activating neurons in the brain that release oxytocin, a hormone that has previously shown to increase parasympathetic activity, according to the release.

“While oxytocin is often used to start or increase speed of labor, recent research has uncovered its role in feelings of generosity and bonding. It may also have beneficial effects on the heart,” the release read.

The project is a collaboration between the School of Medicine and Health Sciences and the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Matthew Kay, an associate professor of biomedical engineering in SEAS, will combine his knowledge of cardiac function with Mendelowitz’s work on brain activity for the project, according to the release.

“While Dr. Mendelowitz’s research is focused on neuroscience and how the brain works, my work is focused on cardiac function. Heart failure is a disease that affects both, which is why it is imperative for Dr. Mendelowitz and I to use our complimentary expertise to solve this problem,” Kay said in the release.