How acute low-oxygen levels affect the right side of the heart in asthma
Official title: Effect of Acute Hypoxia on RIght VEntRicular Function. A Single-Center, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Cross-Over Trial.
Run by University of Zurich · NCT07431580 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how short-term exposure to simulated high-altitude oxygen levels affects right heart function in adults with asthma.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 18 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Zurich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zurich, Canton of Zurich) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 26, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 2030 |
| Study ends | January 2030 |
| Registry record updated | May 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07431580 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18–80 years with well-controlled asthma, living at low altitude and with no other major cardiopulmonary conditions.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with uncontrolled asthma or additional cardiopulmonary diseases may not benefit from this study and may be exposed to risks without clear advantage.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Participants with asthma will be exposed to normobaric hypoxia simulating altitudes of near sea level, 2,500 m, and 4,000 m, both at rest and during light cycling. The trial uses a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design so each participant experiences all conditions in random order. Right ventricular function will be measured with speckle-tracking echocardiography, along with heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and symptom reporting. The study aims to understand how acute hypoxia influences right heart performance and related physiologic responses in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could clarify how asthma patients tolerate brief low-oxygen exposure and inform safer participation in high-altitude activities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has explored acute hypoxia effects on the heart, but this study offers novel, idiopathic insight specifically in adults with asthma using a rigorous cross-over design.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Signed informed consent * Diagnosed and well controlled asthma bronchiale * 18-80 years (age group young: 18-39.99 years / age group older: 40-80 years) * All sex and genders * Living \<800m and without altitude exposure \> 2500 m and \> 24h within the last three weeks Exclusion Criteria: * \<18, \>80 years old * Any other diagnosed cardiopulmonary condition including past HAPE * Other clinically significant severe concomitant disease states (e.g. renal, hepatic dysfunction, etc.) * Inability to follow the procedures of the study due to language problems, psychological neurological disorders or orthopaedic disorders * Participants permanently living \>800m and altitude exposure \> 2500 m and \>24h within the last three weeks * Pregnancy: Participants will be asked if pregnant or not, no screening for undetected pregnancy * Lactating women * Participation in other study with active treatment
Where it's running
-
Consultant Clinic of Pulmonology, University Hospital of Zurich
Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mona Lichtblau — University of Zurich
- Study coordinator: Mona Lichtblau, PD Dr. med.
- Email: mona.lichtblau@usz.ch
- Phone: +41 442552220
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Right-heart response to short-term low oxygen in people with past HAPE
This trial tests whether brief exposure to simulated high altitude (low oxygen) changes right-heart function in adults who previously had high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).
-
How short-term low oxygen exposure affects the right side of the heart in healthy adults
We test whether short-term reduced oxygen (simulated 2,500 m and 4,000 m) changes right ventricular function in healthy adults at rest and during light exercise.
-
How the body responds to exercise with low oxygen in healthy adults
Researchers test how healthy men and women respond to different exercise types while breathing air with varying oxygen levels.
-
Heat and hypoxia: how simulated altitude affects body temperature and strain
This study tests how heat exposure with and without simulated altitude affects core temperature and physiological strain in healthy, physically active adult men.
-
Supraglottic oxygen through a thin nasal tube during deep-sedation bronchoscopy
This trial tests whether inserting a thin, wired endotracheal tube through the nose to deliver oxygen above the vocal cords helps prevent low oxygen levels in adults undergoing deep-sedation fiberoptic bronchoscopy.
-
Right Ventricle Response After Major Lung Resection with Minimally Invasive or Open Surgery
This study tests how the right side of the heart handles increased pressure after major lung surgery in patients with heart or lung risks, comparing minimally invasive procedures to open surgery.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.