Actively Recruiting
Aging, Beta Blockers, and Thermoregulatory Responses
Led by University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · Updated on 2025-10-23
22
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The trial investigates how the drugs propranolol and metoprolol affect core body temperature in older adults during extreme heat exposure. It aims to understand why adults over 65 have higher rates of heat-related illness and death, especially since beta blockers are commonly prescribed for cardiovascular conditions in this age group. This is important because previous studies in younger people showed beta blockers affect sweating and blood flow, but their impact on older adults in heat is unknown. Participants will experience 3 hours of heat exposure in a chamber set to 41°C with 40% humidity. They will receive different sequences of propranolol, metoprolol, and placebo in a randomized, double-blind manner to compare effects on their body temperature and sweat rate. The study involves multiple treatment arms rotating these drugs to assess their influence during simulated heat waves. During the study, researchers will continuously measure internal body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure while also tracking whole body sweat rate before and after heat exposure by measuring body mass. The trial focuses on healthy adults aged 65 and older who meet specific health criteria. The total observation lasts through the 3-hour heat exposure, with close monitoring of cardiovascular and thermoregulatory responses to understand drug effects in aging individuals.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Aging, Beta Blockers, and Thermoregulatory Responses
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Healthy and free of any significant medical problems
- Normal resting electrocardiogram
- 65+ years of age
- Controlled cholesterol of less than 200 mg/dl
- Controlled blood pressure of less than 140/90 mmHg
You will not qualify if you...
- Known diseases or chronic conditions requiring regular medical therapy including cancer, diabetes, neurological diseases, uncontrolled hypertension, and uncontrolled hypercholesterolemia
- Serious abnormalities detected on routine screening
- Taking medications that affect cardiac function or sweating
- Current smokers or those who regularly smoked within the past 3 years
- Body mass index of 31 kg/m2 or higher
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - Multiple sessions scheduled according to crossover design
Participants undergo three different exposures to beta blockers and placebo, each followed by a 3-hour heat exposure in a heat chamber at 41°C and 40% humidity to assess thermoregulatory responses.
3 separate treatment visits with 3-hour heat exposure each (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
IEEM Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas
Dallas, Texas, United States, 75231
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Erin Harper, MS
C
Courtney Kirby, RN
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
6
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here