Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 30 to 70 Women only

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.

More Hypertension trials

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages30 Years to 70 Years
SexWomen only
Enrollment200 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Oxford
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Oxford)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 23, 2023
Main results expectedNovember 1, 2027
Study endsNovember 1, 2042
Registry record updatedApril 29, 2026
Trial IDNCT06187012 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.