Impact of Decreased Venous Return on Supine Blood Pressure in Autonomic Failure

What this Trial Is About

This research investigates supine hypertension, a condition where people with autonomic failure have high blood pressure while lying down. Autonomic failure causes issues like severe blood pressure drops upon standing, bladder and bowel problems, and sexual dysfunction. The study focuses on using gravity to reduce blood return to the heart by raising the head of the bed, aiming to lower blood pressure without medication and potentially improve related health risks. Participants will experience different ways of raising the head of the bed, either by tilting the whole bed or elevating just the trunk, with elevations of 8, 9, or 12 inches. These adjustments will be tested both during short sessions and overnight at home to compare their effects on blood pressure. The study uses a randomized design without masking to evaluate these non-drug interventions. During the study, researchers will monitor blood pressure from 10 PM to 8 AM, including during acute one-hour elevation sessions. They will also measure overnight urine volume to assess effects on fluid balance. Participants will be assessed for changes in systolic blood pressure and other health markers while sleeping with the bed in different elevated positions. The total participation period varies depending on the intervention and home use phases.

Effect of Raised Head of the Bed on Lying Blood Pressure in Autonomic Failure