Using CPAP to treat high blood pressure in patients with autonomic failure

Treatment of Supine Hypertension in Autonomic Failure With Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

Not applicable Interventional Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NCT03312556

This study tests if using a CPAP machine at night can help lower blood pressure in patients with autonomic failure who have high blood pressure when lying down.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment12 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorVanderbilt University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nashville, Tennessee)
Trial IDNCT03312556 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in reducing blood pressure in patients suffering from supine hypertension due to autonomic failure. Supine hypertension is a common issue in these patients, complicating their treatment for orthostatic hypotension. The study will apply varying levels of CPAP pressure to assess its acute impact on blood pressure. If successful, CPAP may be used as a nighttime treatment for these patients to manage their blood pressure more effectively.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients diagnosed with autonomic failure who experience supine hypertension.

Not a fit: Patients with serious underlying conditions such as heart failure or a history of stroke may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve blood pressure management in patients with autonomic failure and supine hypertension.

How similar studies have performed: While CPAP is commonly used for sleep apnea, its application for treating supine hypertension in autonomic failure is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with autonomic failure and with supine hypertension from all races

Exclusion Criteria:

* All medical students
* Pregnant women
* High-risk patients (e.g. heart failure, symptomatic coronary artery disease, liver impairment, history of stroke or myocardial infarction)
* History of serious allergies or asthma.

Where this trial is running

Nashville, Tennessee

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 Supine HypertensionAutonomic Failurehypertensionsupine hypertensionautonomic failurepure autonomic failuremultiple system atrophycpap
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.