Angiotensin-II blocker for heart and aorta changes after repaired aortic coarctation

Clinical benefits and mechanism of action of angiotensin-II receptor blocker on Cardiovascular remodeling in patients with repaired coarctation of aorta

NIH-funded research Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11136503

Adults with repaired aortic coarctation will take an angiotensin-II blocker to try to reduce aortic stiffness and improve heart function and exercise tolerance.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11136503 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You would take a prescribed angiotensin-II receptor blocker (an ARB) and have regular clinic visits. During visits you would get blood pressure checks, exercise testing, and heart and aorta imaging to measure stiffness, pumping function, and signs of scarring. The team will compare these measurements before and after treatment to see if your heart and aorta show healthier function and less fibrosis. Tests may also include measures of coronary flow reserve and other exercise-related heart responses.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults (21+) who previously had surgical repair of aortic coarctation and have borderline or stage 1 high blood pressure are the best candidates.

Not a fit: People without repaired aortic coarctation, those with severe uncontrolled hypertension, or those who cannot take ARBs (for example pregnancy or severe kidney disease) are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the treatment could lower aortic stiffness, reduce heart scarring, improve exercise capacity, and lower long-term risk of heart failure or sudden cardiac events.

How similar studies have performed: A short 2-week pilot showed ARBs improved aortic stiffness and coronary flow reserve, but longer-term effects on heart remodeling and fibrosis have not yet been shown.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.