Understanding how salt affects blood pressure and kidney function

Renal Metabolism in Salt-sensitive Human Blood Pressure

Not applicable Interventional Medical College of Wisconsin · NCT05369416

This study tests how different amounts of salt in the diet affect blood pressure and kidney function in people with high blood pressure.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages30 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorMedical College of Wisconsin Academic / other
Locations1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Trial IDNCT05369416 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the differences in renal oxygenation and substrate metabolism between individuals with salt-sensitive and salt-insensitive hypertension. Seventy participants will be randomized to follow either a low sodium diet or a high sodium diet for two weeks, with a subsequent switch after a wash-out period. The study will utilize BOLD MRI imaging to assess renal oxygenation levels and perfusion, alongside dietary assessments to ensure compliance. The ultimate goal is to identify mechanisms and potential treatment strategies for salt-sensitive hypertension.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults with elevated blood pressure ranging from elevated BP to Stage 1 hypertension.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of kidney disease, diabetes, or those on certain medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies for individuals with salt-sensitive hypertension.

How similar studies have performed: While the mechanisms of salt-sensitive hypertension are not fully understood, similar studies have explored dietary impacts on blood pressure with varying degrees of success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* English speaking subjects
* With a spectrum of BPs, ranging from those with Elevated BP through Stage 1 HTN, as defined by the 2017 ACC/AHA HTN guidelines

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-English speakers
* BP ≤120/80 \& ≥ 140/90 mmHg
* H/o diabetes, congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, hypokalemia \& other
* electrolyte disturbances
* H/o kidney disease
* Use of glucocorticoids
* Pregnant or nursing mothers
* Presence of bleeding disorders
* Use of anti-platelet and anticoagulant agents such as clopidogrel, aspirin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban etc
* Daily sodium intake ≥ 6000 mg/day
* Presence of pacemaker or other metallic implants
* Allergy to iodinated contrast
* Allergy to shellfish
* Claustrophobia

Where this trial is running

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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 Hypertensionhypertensionhigh blood pressuresalt
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.