A device to help manage low blood pressure when standing in older adults

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing an automated abdominal binder designed to assist elderly patients suffering from neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH), a condition that causes significant drops in blood pressure when standing. The device uses an accelerometer to detect when a patient is upright and applies controlled compression to improve blood flow and stabilize blood pressure. Unlike traditional drug therapies, this device aims to address the underlying causes of nOH without causing adverse effects when the patient is seated or lying down. Preliminary results indicate that the binder can enhance blood pressure and tolerance to standing in affected patients.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Vanderbilt University Medical Center
  Nashville, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Okamoto, Luis Enrique — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
• Study coordinator: Okamoto, Luis Enrique

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  NIH research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · Nashville, United States · NIH-11241120

• Using positive airway pressure to manage blood pressure issues in older adults

  This study is looking at how using a CPAP machine, which helps with breathing during sleep, might lower high blood pressure that some older adults experience when lying down, and it hopes to make them feel better when they stand up during the day.

  NIH research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · Nashville, United States · NIH-10986079

• Vascular Triggers of Anesthesia-Related Low Blood Pressure in the Old and Very Young

  This NIH grant explores why people at the youngest and oldest ages are more likely to have dangerously low blood pressure during general anesthesia and how to prevent it.

  NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11360616

• Understanding Blood Pressure Drops During Anesthesia in Very Young and Older Patients

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  NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11117114

• How blood vessel properties affect anesthesia-related low blood pressure in very young and older patients

  This study is looking into why babies and older adults often have low blood pressure when they are put under anesthesia, so we can find better ways to keep them safe during surgery.

  NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-10898716

• Wearable device to monitor blood pressure after surgery

  This study is testing a comfortable wearable device that keeps an eye on your blood pressure after surgery, helping to quickly alert caregivers if it drops too low, so you can stay safe and recover better.

  NIH research Vena Vitals, INC. · Irvine, United States · NIH-10760370

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.