Allopurinol helps improve heart function in African Americans with high blood pressure
Official title: Allopurinol Improves Diastolic Function in African Americans with Resistant Hypertension
Funded at Birmingham VA Medical Center · NIH-10869948 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the gout medication allopurinol affects heart function in African Americans with stubborn high blood pressure, to see if it could help improve heart health for those who struggle to control their blood pressure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Birmingham VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX004655-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10869948 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are African American adults aged 21 and older who have resistant hypertension.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as African American or those without resistant hypertension may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of allopurinol, a medication commonly used to treat gout, on heart function specifically in African Americans who suffer from resistant hypertension. The study focuses on individuals who have difficulty controlling their blood pressure despite taking multiple medications. By examining how allopurinol impacts diastolic function, the research aims to provide insights into potential new treatment options for heart failure in this high-risk population. Participants will be monitored for changes in heart structure and function over the course of the study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved heart health and quality of life for African Americans with resistant hypertension.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using medications like allopurinol to improve heart function, particularly in populations with high rates of hypertension.
Where this research is happening
-
Birmingham VA Medical Center
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dell'italia, Louis J. — Birmingham VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Dell'italia, Louis J.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.