Actively Recruiting
Effect of Acute Hypoxia on Right Ventricular Function in Healthy Adults A Single-Center, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Cross-Over Trial
Led by Mona Lichtblau · Updated on 2026-03-17
18
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to understand how the healthy right side of the heart, especially the right ventricle, reacts to short-term exposure to lower oxygen levels like those found at high altitudes. The study focuses on healthy adults living below 800 meters and examines heart function under simulated altitudes of 490, 2,500, and 4,000 meters. This helps provide a reference to better support patients with heart or lung diseases in the future. Participants inhale special gas mixtures that mimic these altitudes in a randomized order during three separate sessions. Each session includes a resting period and a light cycling exercise at two different intensities. The study uses a triple-blind, randomized, crossover design where neither participants nor researchers know which altitude condition is being tested at a given time. During each visit, heart ultrasounds and vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels are recorded at rest and during exercise. Participants also report symptoms like shortness of breath and leg fatigue. Blood samples are taken to analyze oxygen and other markers. The primary measure is the right ventricular function, with several secondary heart and lung function tests. Participation usually spans two to three days, arranged flexibly to fit individual schedules.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effect of Acute Hypoxia on RIght VEntRicular Function in Healthy Adults.
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Signed informed consent
- Aged 18 to 80 years
- All sexes and genders
- Living below 800 meters above sea level
- No exposure to altitudes above 2500 meters for more than 24 hours in the last three weeks
You will not qualify if you...
- Younger than 18 or older than 80 years
- Any diagnosed heart or lung conditions, including past high altitude pulmonary edema
- Other serious medical conditions such as kidney or liver problems
- Inability to follow study procedures due to language, psychological, neurological, or orthopedic issues
- Living permanently above 800 meters or recent altitude exposure above 2500 meters for more than 24 hours
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Participation in another study with active treatment
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.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 to 3 days depending on participant schedule
Participants undergo a series of tests to assess right ventricular function at different simulated altitudes including rest and light cycling exercise.
3 to 6 visits depending on schedule and crossover conditions
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Consultant Clinic of Pulmonology, University Hospital of Zurich
Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, 8091
Actively Recruiting
2
Consultant Clinic of Pulmonology, University Hospital of Zurich
Zurich, Switzerland, 8091
Not Yet Recruiting
Research Team
M
Mona Lichtblau, PD Dr. med.
C
Carmen Wick, Cand. PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Number of Arms
6
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