Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 80

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.

More Hypoxia trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
Enrollment18 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Zurich
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Zurich, Canton of Zurich)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 26, 2026
Main results expectedJanuary 2030
Study endsJanuary 2030
Registry record updatedMay 29, 2026
Trial IDNCT07431580 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

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.
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.