RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT03042988

Overnight Trials With Heat Stress in Autonomic Failure Patients With Supine Hypertension

Overnight Trials to Compare the Effects of Controlled Heat Stress Versus Sham Control on Nocturnal Supine Hypertension in Autonomic Failure Patients

Sponsor

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Enrollment

20 participants

Start Date

Jan 30, 2017

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Hypertension Multiple System Atrophy Autonomic Failure Pure Autonomic Failure

Summary

Patients with autonomic failure are characterized by disabling orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure on standing), and at least half of them also have high blood pressure while lying down (supine hypertension). Exposure to heat, such as in hot environments, often worsens their orthostatic hypotension. The causes of this are not fully understood. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether applying local heat over the abdomen of patients with autonomic failure and supine hypertension during the night would decrease their nocturnal high blood pressure while lying down. This will help us better understand the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, and may be of use in the treatment of supine hypertension.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 80 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study tests overnight heat therapy (warming the body during sleep using a heated mattress or vest) as a way to lower dangerously high blood pressure that occurs when lying flat in people who have autonomic nervous system disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Multiple System Atrophy, or Pure Autonomic Failure. **You may be eligible if...** - You are between 18 and 80 years old - You have been diagnosed with a primary autonomic disorder (such as Parkinson's disease, Multiple System Atrophy, or Pure Autonomic Failure) - Your blood pressure when lying down is 150 mmHg or higher (systolic) - You are able and willing to give informed consent **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You are pregnant - You have significant heart, kidney, or liver disease - You have medical conditions that would make it unsafe to take medications that raise blood pressure - Other health factors, in the doctor's opinion, would prevent you from safely completing the study Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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