Raising the head of the bed to lower blood pressure in patients with autonomic failure
Official title: Impact of Decreased Venous Return on Supine Blood Pressure
Run by Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NCT04502225 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, Tennessee) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 21, 2020 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04502225 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 85 with autonomic failure and supine hypertension.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with serious underlying health conditions such as heart failure or a history of stroke may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Using CPAP to treat high blood pressure in patients with autonomic failure
This study tests if using a CPAP machine can help people with autonomic failure lower their nighttime blood pressure when they lie down.
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Using CPAP to treat high blood pressure in patients with autonomic failure
This study tests if using a CPAP machine at night can help lower blood pressure in patients with autonomic failure who have high blood pressure when lying down.
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Using a CO2 rebreather to improve blood pressure in patients with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension
This study is testing whether a CO2 rebreather can help people with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension improve their blood pressure and feel better when standing up.
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Using an accelerometer to measure symptoms of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension
This study is testing if using a device to track how long people with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension can stay upright helps show if their medication works better than a placebo.
-
Imaging with [18F]F-DOPA in patients with autonomic failure
This study is testing a special imaging technique to see if it can help identify early signs of neurodegenerative diseases in people with autonomic failure.
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Heat application for managing high blood pressure in patients with autonomic failure
This study is testing if using a heating pad on the belly at night can help people with autonomic failure lower their high blood pressure while lying down.
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.