Using heat therapy on the lower legs to help lower blood pressure in older women

Chronic Lower Leg Heating for the Treatment of Hypertension in Older Women

NIH-funded research Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10552697

This study is looking at whether warming the lower legs can help lower blood pressure in older women with high blood pressure, offering a friendly, non-drug option for those who might have trouble with regular treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUt Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Dallas, United States)
Project IDNIH-10552697 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of chronic lower leg heating as a non-drug treatment for hypertension in older women. The study aims to determine if applying heat to the lower legs can effectively lower blood pressure and improve vascular health. Participants will undergo home-based heat therapy while continuing their prescribed antihypertensive medications. The research seeks to provide an alternative approach to managing high blood pressure, especially for those who struggle with traditional treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older women aged 65 and above who are diagnosed with hypertension and are not achieving adequate blood pressure control with standard medications.

Not a fit: Patients who are not hypertensive or those who have contraindications to heat exposure may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer a new, effective method for managing hypertension in older women, potentially reducing their risk of cardiovascular diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that heat therapy can lower blood pressure in healthy individuals, but this specific approach in hypertensive older women is novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

Dallas, 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.