Exploring the effects of heat on blood vessel function and aging
Heat, Microvascular Function and Aging
This study is testing if using heat can help improve blood flow and heart health in older adults who have few heart-related risks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical College of Wisconsin Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) |
| Trial ID | NCT06633198 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how passive heating can improve microvascular function in aging individuals. It aims to understand the relationship between heat exposure and vascular health, particularly in those with limited cardiovascular risk factors. The intervention involves applying passive heating techniques to mimic the benefits of exercise on blood flow and vascular response. Participants will be monitored for changes in their microvascular function and overall cardiovascular health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-80 with no more than one cardiovascular risk factor.
Not a fit: Patients with significant cardiovascular risk factors or existing cardiovascular diseases may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-exercise method to enhance vascular function and reduce cardiovascular risks in aging populations.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of passive heating is novel, similar studies have shown that interventions mimicking exercise can improve vascular function.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must be between 18-80 yrs. of age * No more than 1 cardiovascular risk factor (see list in exclusion criteria) Exclusion Criteria: * Cardiovascular Risk Factors * Uncontrolled/unmanaged hypertension and/or use of current anti-hypertensive therapy * Current Tobacco product use or within last 6 months * BMI greater than 30 * Hyperlipidemia - diagnosed and/or taking medications to manage * Hypercholesterolemia - diagnosed and/or taking medications to manage (e.g. statins) * Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes * Use of anti-coagulant or anti-platelet drugs * Use of beta blockers * Symptomatic coronary artery disease * Diagnosed Heart Failure (Any classification above Class I as defined by NY Heart Association) * Diagnosed renal impairment Renal impairment defined, according to National Kidney Foundation as abnormalities of kidney structure or function, present for greater than 3 months, including: * Albuminuria (ACR ≥ 30 mg/g) * Urine sediment abnormalities * Electrolyte and other abnormalities due to tubular disorders * Structural abnormalities detected by imaging * History of kidney transplantation * Decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFP \< 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) * Current Hormone Replacement Therapy Use * History of retinopathy * Documented neuromuscular disorders * Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (blistering of skin to sun; photosensitivity) * Pregnancy (Young Female subjects) * Allergies to povidone iodine * Tattoos on lower arm (forearm) * Use of erectile dysfunction medication in the past 6 months * Use of topical/non-topical steroids in last 6 months (e.g. cortisone cream) * Active anti-cancer treatment or treatment within last 12 months * Active COVID-19 or within the past 3 months * Gender Reassignment Therapy
Where this trial is running
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: William E Hughes, Ph.D.
- Email: whughes@mcw.edu
- Phone: 414-955-7519
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.