Investigating the role of heavy metals in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Study Roles of Heavy Metals and Essential Metal Dyshomeostasis in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Patients

Observational University of Louisville · NCT04756076

This study is trying to see if levels of heavy metals in the body affect people with pulmonary arterial hypertension and how their condition changes over a year.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment110 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Louisville Academic / other
Locations1 site (Louisville, Kentucky)
Trial IDNCT04756076 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to recruit 50 patients diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) from the University of Louisville PAH Clinic, categorized into intermediate and high-risk groups, along with 10 matched healthy controls. Participants will undergo evaluations every six months, during which blood and urine samples will be collected to measure levels of 31 different metals, including both heavy and essential metals. The study will analyze the interactions among these metals and their correlation with the severity, duration, and treatment of PAH and right ventricular dysfunction over a 12-month period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, specifically those categorized as intermediate or high risk.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old or those who refuse to participate will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of how metal imbalances contribute to pulmonary arterial hypertension, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While studies have explored the effects of individual heavy metals on cardiovascular health, this comprehensive approach examining multiple metals in relation to PAH is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All patients with the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension
* Agree to the study protocol
* Healthy volunteers
* Age, gender matched controls

Exclusion Criteria:

* Younger than 18 years
* Refusal to participate

Where this trial is running

Louisville, Kentucky

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 Pulmonary HypertensionMetal Poison
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.