Impact of Blood Pressure Changes on Eye Health in Hypertension Patients

Effects of Change in Blood Pressure on Retinal Capillary Rarefaction in Patients With Arterial Hypertension - a Pilot Study

Observational Medical University of Vienna · NCT06098300

This study is testing if controlling high blood pressure can improve eye health by looking at changes in the tiny blood vessels in the eyes of people with hypertension.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorMedical University of Vienna Academic / other
Locations1 site (Vienna)
Trial IDNCT06098300 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effects of achieving well-controlled blood pressure on the retinal microvasculature in patients with poorly-controlled arterial hypertension. Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A), the study will assess changes in capillary density, retinal oxygen metabolism, and choroidal blood flow after patients receive antihypertensive medication. The goal is to determine if improvements in blood pressure can reverse retinal capillary rarefaction observed in these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with mild to moderate primary arterial hypertension who are starting or adjusting antihypertensive medication.

Not a fit: Patients with secondary hypertension or significant ocular diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of retinal health in patients with hypertension.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that antihypertensive treatment can reverse retinal capillary rarefaction in animal models, suggesting potential for success in human subjects.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Men and Women aged ≥ 18 years
* Signed informed consent
* Apart from hypertensive retinopathy, normal ophthalmic findings
* Non-Smokers
* Patients with initially diagnosed or pre-existing mild to moderate primary arterial hypertension (systolic office blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic office blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg)
* Planned initiation of antihypertensive medication or planned adaption of antihypertensive medication by the Department of Cardiology
* Subject agrees to perform regular blood pressure self-measurements and to document blood pressure values in a diary

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participation in a clinical trial in the three weeks preceding the study
* Blood donation in the three weeks preceding the study
* Symptoms of a clinically relevant illness in the three weeks preceding the study
* History of family history of epilepsy
* Secondary hypertension (e.g.: hyperaldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, renal artery stenosis, renal parenchymal diseases, Cushing-syndrome, Coarctatio aortae)
* History of hypertensive encephalopathy or intracerebral bleeding
* Diabetes mellitus Type 1 or Type 2
* Pregnant or breast-feeding women
* Women of childbearing potential (neither menopausal, nor hysterectomized, nor sterilized) not using effective contraception

Where this trial is running

Vienna

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 Arterial HypertensionBlood Pressure, HighRetinal Capillary RarefactionHypertensionAntihypertensive medicationOCT-ARetinal oxygen extractionChoroidal vascularity index
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.