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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 65 and up

Cooling methods to help elderly during heat waves

Official title: Heat Waves in the Elderly: Reducing Thermal and Cardiovascular Consequences

Run by University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT05484739 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing different cooling methods to see which one helps older adults stay safe and healthy during heat waves.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dallas, Texas)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 21, 2023
Main results expectedJanuary 31, 2027
Study endsAugust 31, 2027
Registry record updatedSeptember 8, 2026
Trial IDNCT05484739 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are elderly individuals aged 65 and older who do not have significant underlying medical conditions.

Probably not a fit

Patients with known heart disease or other chronic medical conditions requiring regular therapy may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of various cooling modalities in reducing cardiovascular stress in elderly individuals during heat wave conditions. It focuses on two specific heat wave scenarios: hot and humid, and very hot and dry, replicating past extreme weather events. Participants aged 65 and older will be exposed to different cooling methods, including no cooling, water spray, fan use, and a combination of both, while their cardiovascular and thermal responses are monitored. The goal is to determine which cooling method is most effective in protecting the elderly from heat-related cardiovascular issues.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce heat-related cardiovascular stress and improve safety for elderly individuals during extreme heat events.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using cooling modalities is not widely tested in this specific context, similar studies have shown promise in reducing heat stress in vulnerable populations.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* 65 years of age or older
* Free of any significant underlying medical problems based upon a detailed medical history and physical exam

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known heart disease
* Other chronic medical conditions requiring regular medical therapy including cancer, diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, and uncontrolled hypercholesterolemia etc;
* Abnormality detected on routine screening suggestive of provokable ischemia or previously undetected cardiac disease or resting left bundle branch block on screening electrocardiogram.
* Current smokers, as well as individuals who regularly smoked within the past 3 years
* Subject with a body mass index ≥31 kg/m2
* Pregnant individuals

Where it's running

  • Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas
    Dallas, Texas, United States     Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.