Investigating how salt taste sensitivity affects blood pressure in people with HIV
Official title: Salt taste sensitivity, genetics and salt sensitivity of blood pressure in HIV
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10880634 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being sensitive to the taste of salt might affect blood pressure in people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, and it aims to find out if those who taste salt more strongly also see bigger changes in their blood pressure when they eat different amounts of salt, which could help in finding better ways to manage high blood pressure in this group.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | July 10, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $169,543 |
| NIH project number | 5R21TW012635-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10880634 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old living with HIV, particularly those from sub-Saharan Africa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between salt taste sensitivity and blood pressure in individuals living with HIV, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where hypertension is prevalent. The study aims to determine if those who are more sensitive to salt taste also experience greater changes in blood pressure with varying salt intake. It will involve assessing participants' salt taste sensitivity, measuring their blood pressure responses to salt consumption, and examining genetic factors that may influence these responses. By understanding these connections, the research seeks to identify potential dietary interventions for managing hypertension in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dietary recommendations for managing blood pressure in individuals with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Similar research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of dietary salt on blood pressure, but this specific investigation into salt taste sensitivity in HIV patients is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kirabo, Annet — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kirabo, Annet
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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.