Effects of extreme heat on heart blood flow in young and older adults

Impact of Extreme Heat on Myocardial Blood Flow and Flow Reserve in Young and Older Adults

Observational University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT06842784

This study tests how extreme heat affects blood flow to the heart in both young and older adults to see if older people are at greater risk during hot weather.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dallas, Texas)
Trial IDNCT06842784 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates how extreme heat affects myocardial blood flow and flow reserve in both young and older adults. It aims to determine if older adults have reduced myocardial flow reserve compared to younger individuals during heat stress. The study will assess the impact of ambient heat exposure on cardiovascular health, particularly focusing on the risk of myocardial ischemia in older adults. By understanding these effects, the research seeks to highlight the increased cardiovascular risks associated with heat exposure in different age groups.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include healthy individuals aged 18-35 or 65 and older without serious underlying medical conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with known heart disease or chronic medical conditions requiring regular therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into preventing heat-related cardiovascular events, particularly in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on myocardial blood flow during heat stress, studies on heat effects on cardiovascular health suggest potential risks, indicating this area is underexplored.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy male and female individuals
* 18-35 years or 65+ years of age
* Free of any underlying moderate to serious medical conditions

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known heart disease; other chronic medical conditions requiring regular medical therapy including cancer, diabetes, neurological diseases, uncontrolled hypertension, and uncontrolled hypercholesterolemia.
* Taking of any medications (such as beta blockers and non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers) that have known influences on either cardiac function or sweating responses.
* Abnormalities detected on routine screening.
* Current smokers, as well as individuals who regularly smoked within the past 3 years.
* Body mass index of greater than 30 kg/m\^2
* Pregnant individuals

Where this trial is running

Dallas, Texas

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 AgingHeat StressHyperthermiaHeat Strain
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.