What is this study trying to find out about arterial hypertension?

This study aims to understand if controlling high blood pressure can reverse changes in the tiny blood vessels of the eye. Researchers want to see how well-managed hypertension affects retinal and choroidal blood flow and oxygen levels. The Medical University of Vienna is leading this research to improve knowledge about hypertension's impact on eye health.

Who may be eligible for this arterial hypertension clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 to 90 years with mild to moderate primary arterial hypertension who are non-smokers may be eligible. Participants must be willing to regularly measure and record their blood pressure. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with certain health conditions are excluded. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this arterial hypertension clinical trial?

Study-related care, including all assessments and monitoring, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants should plan accordingly for any travel or related costs.

Actively Recruiting

Age: 18Years - 90Years

All Genders

ID06098300

Study of Blood Pressure Control Effects on Retinal and Choroidal Blood Flow in Adults with Arterial Hypertension

Led by Medical University of Vienna · Updated on 2024-09-19

Participants Needed

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether structural and functional changes in the retina and choroid remain after patients with initially poorly-controlled arterial hypertension achieve well-controlled blood pressure. The study focuses on retinal capillary density and oxygen metabolism using advanced imaging techniques. This observational pilot study aims to better understand how blood pressure management affects eye microcirculation in people with hypertension. The study uses Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography OCT-A to non-invasively assess retinal microvasculature changes. It will also examine retinal oxygen metabolism and choroidal blood flow through various imaging methods. The main focus is to observe changes after 12 weeks of achieving blood pressure targets with antihypertensive medication, without introducing new treatments as it is observational. Participants will undergo regular blood pressure self-measurements and document these values in a diary. Researchers will assess changes in retinal vessel density, choroidal vascularity, neurovascular coupling, retinal oxygen saturation, ocular blood flow, and retinal vessel diameter after 12 weeks. The study involves eye exams and monitoring of blood pressure control to evaluate vascular changes related to hypertension management over this period.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Effects of Change in Blood Pressure on Retinal Capillary Rarefaction in Patients With Arterial Hypertension

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years - 90Years

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Men and women aged 18 years or older
Signed informed consent
Normal eye exam except for hypertensive retinopathy
Non-smokers
Diagnosed or pre-existing mild to moderate primary arterial hypertension with systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg
Planned start or adjustment of antihypertensive medication by cardiology
Agreement to regularly measure and record blood pressure in a diary

You will not qualify if you...

Participation in another clinical trial within 3 weeks before this study
Blood donation within 3 weeks before the study
Symptoms of significant illness within 3 weeks before the study
Personal or family history of epilepsy
Secondary hypertension causes (e.g., hyperaldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, renal artery stenosis, renal diseases, Cushing syndrome, coarctation of the aorta)
History of hypertensive encephalopathy or brain bleeding
Diabetes mellitus type 1 or 2
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Women of childbearing potential not using effective contraception (if not menopausal, hysterectomized, or sterilized)

Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

Monitoring

Duration - 12 weeks

Participants are observed while achieving blood pressure treatment targets with antihypertensive medication. Changes in retinal capillary density and ocular blood flow are assessed.

1 baseline visit and 1 follow-up visit