Understanding how the nervous system affects blood pressure in obesity-related hypertension

Sympathetic Neural Patterns and Transduction in Obesity-associated Hypertension

Early Phase 1 Interventional University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT04838678

This study is trying to see how the nervous system affects blood pressure during stress in people with obesity and high blood pressure.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dallas, Texas)
Trial IDNCT04838678 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore the communication between the nervous system and blood vessels that leads to increased blood pressure during stress, particularly in individuals with obesity and hypertension. It will measure sympathetic nervous system activity and blood flow responses during various physiological stress tests, such as hypoxia and exercise. Additionally, the study will assess the effects of drug infusions that induce vasodilation or vasoconstriction to better understand the underlying mechanisms involved.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18-55 with a BMI under 30 or over 30, with or without a diagnosis of hypertension.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cardiovascular or renal diseases, diabetes, or a history of smoking may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new insights and treatments for managing hypertension in obese patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, similar studies investigating the nervous system's role in hypertension have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Control - BMI\<30, age 18-55
* Hypertensive - BMI\<30, age 18-55, diagnosis of hypertension by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring Obese- BMI\>30, age 18-55 Obese-hypertensive- BMI\>30, age 18-55, diagnosis of hypertension by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

Exclusion Criteria:

All groups - presence of other significant cardiovascular disease, renal disease, history of smoking, diabetes,

Where this trial is running

Dallas, Texas

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 HypertensionObesityNPY
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.