Raising the head of the bed to lower blood pressure in patients with autonomic failure
Impact of Decreased Venous Return on Supine Blood Pressure
This study is testing if raising the head of the bed can help people with autonomic failure lower their high blood pressure while lying down.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, Tennessee) |
| Trial ID | NCT04502225 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effect of elevating the head of the bed on blood pressure in patients with autonomic failure who experience high blood pressure while lying down, known as supine hypertension. By reducing venous return to the heart through this elevation, the study aims to determine if this non-pharmacological approach can effectively lower supine blood pressure. The research focuses on understanding how this method may alleviate the risks associated with sustained high blood pressure during sleep, which can lead to further complications in these patients. Participants will be monitored to assess the impact of this intervention on their blood pressure levels.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 85 with autonomic failure and supine hypertension.
Not a fit: Patients with serious underlying health conditions such as heart failure or a history of stroke may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-drug treatment option for managing supine hypertension in patients with autonomic failure.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of elevating the head of the bed is less commonly studied, similar non-pharmacological interventions have shown promise in managing blood pressure in related conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with autonomic failure and with supine hypertension from all races * Males and females, between 18 to 85 years Exclusion Criteria: * All medical students * Pregnant women * High-risk patients (for example: heart failure, symptomatic coronary artery disease, liver impairment, history of stroke or myocardial infarction) * History of serious allergies or asthma.
Where this trial is running
Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, Tennessee, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Italo Biaggioni, MD — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Bonnie K Black, RN
- Email: bonnie.black@vumc.org
- Phone: 615-343-6862
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.