Allopurinol treatment for heart function in African Americans with resistant hypertension

Allopurinol Improves Diastolic Function in African Americans With Resistant Hypertension

Phase 2 Interventional VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05888233

This study is testing if the medication Allopurinol can improve heart function and quality of life for African American veterans with tough-to-treat high blood pressure.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development Federal
Locations1 site (Birmingham, Alabama)
Trial IDNCT05888233 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the effects of Allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, on heart function, exercise ability, and quality of life in African American veterans suffering from resistant hypertension. The study focuses on a population that experiences a high prevalence of hypertension and heart failure, aiming to address the significant health disparities faced by this group. Participants will receive Allopurinol over an 8-week period to evaluate its impact on their cardiovascular health. The study seeks to provide insights into effective treatments for heart failure preserved ejection fraction in this underrepresented population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are African American veterans diagnosed with resistant hypertension.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of heart failure, chronic kidney disease, or those already taking Allopurinol may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved heart function and quality of life for African American patients with resistant hypertension.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically targeting this demographic with Allopurinol, studies on xanthine oxidase inhibitors have shown promise in related conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Veteran
2. African American
3. Resistant hypertension diagnosis (defined as blood pressure greater than 140/90 mmHg at 2 clinic visits despite the use of 3 antihypertensive medications at pharmacologically effective doses)
4. Locale - Birmingham, AL and surrounding areas

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of heart failure
2. Chronic kidney disease (estimated creatinine clearance \< 60 ml/min)
3. Chronic steroid therapy
4. Known coronary artery disease
5. Known causes of secondary hypertension
6. Already taking Allopurinol

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Exclusion

1. Claustrophobia
2. Cardiac implantable electronic device (permanent pacemaker and/or intracardiac defibrillator)
3. Metal clips and/devices or other item that specifically prohibit safe CMR

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Heart Failure Preserved Ejection FractionResistant HypertensionHypertensionXanthine OxidaseAfrican AmericanBlackHeart Failure
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.