Understanding heart muscle response to high blood pressure

Response of the Myocardium to Hypertrophic Conditions in the Adult Population

Observational National Heart Centre Singapore · NCT02670031

This study looks at how high blood pressure affects the heart muscle in people with hypertension to see if certain heart changes can help improve treatment strategies.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment2000 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Heart Centre Singapore Academic / other
Locations1 site (Singapore)
Trial IDNCT02670031 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the effects of hypertension on the heart muscle, specifically focusing on left ventricular hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis. Utilizing advanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin blood assays, the study aims to assess the significance of myocardial fibrosis in a large cohort of 2000 patients with hypertension. Participants will undergo follow-up assessments over at least one year to monitor changes and outcomes related to their heart health. The findings could provide insights into better management strategies for hypertensive heart disease.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 21 and over with physician-diagnosed essential hypertension who are either newly diagnosed or have resistant hypertension.

Not a fit: Patients with known secondary hypertension or contraindications to cardiovascular magnetic resonance will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of hypertensive heart disease, potentially reducing the risk of heart failure in patients.

How similar studies have performed: While this study employs advanced imaging techniques, similar studies have shown varying degrees of success in understanding hypertensive heart disease, making this approach both relevant and necessary.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. 21 years and over
2. Physician diagnosed essential hypertension, on at least 1 medication for blood pressure control
3. Newly diagnosed hypertension: systolic blood pressure 140mmHg or greater (diastolic blood pressure 90mmHg or greater) on at least 2 office visits (Weber 2013) and not started on any anti hypertensive medications at time of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
4. Resistant hypertension: persistent systolic blood pressure 140mmHg or greater (diastolic blood pressure 90mmHg or greater) despite on at least 3 anti-hypertensive medications (Jennings 2013; Weber 2013)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Known secondary hypertension: renal causes (renal artery stenosis, chronic renal failure); endocrine causes (aldosterone excess, pheochromocytoma, cushing's syndrome, hyperthyroidism); cardiac causes (coarctation of the aorta)
2. Contraindications to cardiovascular magnetic resonance: implantable devices, cerebral aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, renal impairment (GRF \<30ml/min/1.73m2), claustrophobia and women who are pregnant or breast-feeding
3. Limited life expectancy
4. On-going unstable medical conditions: hypertensive crisis, acute coronary syndromes or acute heart failure
5. History of coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease
6. History of transient ischemic attacks or cerebrovascular events
7. History of atrial fibrillation
8. History of heart failure

Where this trial is running

Singapore

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 Left Ventricular HypertrophyHypertensionMyocardial FibrosisHypertensive Heart DiseaseCardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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.