Understanding long-term heart health in women after hypertensive pregnancies
Official title: Hypertension Explored in Long-term Postpartum Follow-up in Later Life (HELPFUL)
Run by University of Oxford · NCT06187012 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at why women who had high blood pressure during pregnancy might face heart problems later in life by comparing their health to women who had normal pregnancies.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 30 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Oxford Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Oxford) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 23, 2023 |
| Main results expected | November 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | November 1, 2042 |
| Registry record updated | April 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06187012 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women who had a pregnancy 10 to 25 years ago and experienced high blood pressure during that pregnancy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are currently pregnant or have significant chronic diseases affecting cardiovascular health 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 observational study aims to investigate why women who have experienced high blood pressure during pregnancy are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases later in life. By analyzing data from women 10 to 25 years postpartum, the study will assess changes in the heart, brain, and blood vessels over time. The researchers will compare women with hypertensive pregnancies to those with normotensive pregnancies to identify patterns of disease progression. Advanced imaging and machine learning models will be utilized to understand the interconnectedness of these changes across different body systems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved monitoring and prevention strategies for cardiovascular diseases in women with a history of hypertensive pregnancies.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown that understanding the long-term effects of hypertensive pregnancies can lead to better health outcomes, indicating potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Inclusion Criteria * Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study * Female who had a pregnancy 10 to 25 years prior * Able (in the investigator's opinion) and willing to comply with all study requirements. * Adequate understanding of verbal and written English Exclusion Criteria: * The participant may not enter the study if ANY of the following apply: * Over 10 weeks pregnant during the course of the study * Evidence of congenital heart disease or significant chronic disease relevant to cardiovascular or metabolic status * Any significant disease or disorder which, in the opinion of the investigator, might influence the participant's ability to participate in the study For exclusion of MRI component only: • Unsuitable for MRI based on the responses to the MRI screening form. The participant may still be included in other parts of the study.
Where it's running
-
University of Oxford Department of Cardiovascular Medicine
Oxford, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Paul Leeson — University of Oxford
- Study coordinator: Katie Suriano
- Email: helpful@cardiov.ox.ac.uk
- Phone: 01865226845
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Using low-dose aspirin after preeclampsia to improve recovery
This study is testing if taking low-dose aspirin for six months after having preeclampsia can help new moms recover better by improving their blood pressure and blood vessel function.
-
RADIANCE CED: long-term outcomes after ultrasound renal denervation
This project will see if ultrasound renal denervation (using the Paradise system) lowers blood pressure over the long term in Medicare-age adults (65+) with uncontrolled hypertension by using their medical records.
-
Pulmonary Artery Denervation for a specific type of heart and lung pressure problem
This study tests whether the Enhancor System can safely and effectively help patients with combined pre- and post-capillary pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease when added to standard therapy.
-
Long-term outcomes of Symplicity renal denervation for uncontrolled hypertension in Medicare patients
This project will see if adding the Symplicity renal denervation procedure to usual care lowers blood pressure over two years in Medicare patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
-
Streamlined renal denervation with Spyral for uncontrolled high blood pressure
This trial will test whether a shorter, simpler renal denervation procedure using the Symplicity Spyral system can lower blood pressure in adults with uncontrolled hypertension.
-
Spyral InSight: renal nerve stimulation before and after renal denervation
This study will test whether stimulating the nerves of the kidney before and after renal denervation is safe and how it changes blood pressure in adults 20–70 with moderately uncontrolled hypertension on 1–3 medications.
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.