How aging affects blood pressure control and kidney function
Official title: Aging and hypertension: Integrated renal and sympathetic control of blood pressure
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10893843 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects high blood pressure and why older adults often have a harder time managing it, with the hope of finding better treatments for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2019 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $579,024 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AG062515-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10893843 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those over the age of 65, who are experiencing hypertension.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without hypertension may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between aging and hypertension, focusing on how the kidneys and sympathetic nervous system regulate blood pressure in older adults. It aims to understand why older patients often struggle to control their blood pressure and why they receive fewer effective treatments. The study uses a unique surgical technique to selectively ablate renal nerves in aging rats, allowing researchers to explore the mechanisms behind age-related hypertension. By examining these processes, the research seeks to uncover new insights that could lead to better treatment options for elderly patients with high blood pressure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for hypertension in older adults, enhancing their overall health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of investigating renal nerve mechanisms in aging is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding hypertension, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wainford, Richard David — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Wainford, Richard David
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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.