Understanding how the nervous system affects blood pressure in obesity-related hypertension
Official title: Sympathetic Neural Patterns and Transduction in Obesity-associated Hypertension
Run by University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT04838678 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Dallas, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 18, 2021 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04838678 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18-55 with a BMI under 30 or over 30, with or without a diagnosis of hypertension.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant cardiovascular or renal diseases, diabetes, or a history of smoking 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 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.
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 gone: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, similar studies investigating the nervous system's role in hypertension have shown promising results.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Christopher M Hearon, Ph.D.
- Email: christopher.hearon@utsouthwestern.edu
- Phone: 214-345-4624
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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.