PTSD, stress signals, and blood pressure: can losartan help high adrenaline in PTSD
Official title: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Role of Sympathetic Overactivity and Angiotensin II
Run by Emory University · NCT02560805 · Data updated 2026-11-12
In people with PTSD, the study tests whether losartan can lower high adrenaline responses and reduce heart-risk factors.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 134 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Decatur, Georgia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 2015 |
| Main results expected | March 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT02560805 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Veterans and other adults aged 18-65 with PTSD, and matched controls without PTSD.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with uncontrolled hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or on certain medications may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This Phase 2 interventional trial explores the link between sympathetic overactivity, angiotensin II, and PTSD-related cardiovascular risk. It compares adrenaline-related responses and vascular factors between PTSD patients and matched controls. The study uses microneurography and several stress tests to understand neural and vascular mechanisms, and to see if losartan may normalize these responses. Enrollment targets active-duty-associated veterans and age-matched controls who meet strict medical criteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, losartan could reduce abnormal adrenaline surges and lower cardiovascular risk in PTSD patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research in PTSD and SNS activation supports a mechanistic basis; this study explores a specific ARB-related approach in a targeted population.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * veterans ages 18-65 years old with PTSD and without PTSD (controls) matched for age, gender, and race. Exclusion Criteria: * pregnancy * hypertension * diabetes * heart or vascular disease * illicit drug use * excessive alcohol use (\>2 drinks per day) * hyperlipidemia * autonomic dysfunction * current treatment with clonidine, beta blockers, angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) * treatment with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors within the last 14 days * any serious systemic disease * chronic kidney disease defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) \< 60 cc/min * hyperkalemia (serum potassium \> 5 meq/dL) * systolic blood pressure \< 100 mm Hg * diastolic blood pressure \< 60 mm Hg * heart rate \< 50 beats/min * known hypersensitivity to ARBs or beta blockers
Where it's running
-
Atlanta VA Medical Center
Decatur, Georgia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jeanie Park, MD — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Deirdre Dixon
- Email: deirdre.dixon@emory.edu
- Phone: 404-321-6111
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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.