Clinical Research Directory

Minority Health Genomics and Translational Research Bio-Repository Database (MH-GRID)-2.0

Background: \- High blood pressure is a common problem. It can cause heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. It affects African Americans more than other racial groups. Data were collected from over a thousand African Americans across the country. The data were put into a database (MH-GRID). The data were about genes, diet, sleep, body mass index. They also cover stress and access to healthy foods and parks. Researchers at NIH will study these data in new ways. They want to learn more about the connection between African Americans and high blood pressure. Objective: \- To study MH-GRID data to find the causes of severe high blood pressure and other cardio-metabolic problems in people of African ancestry. Eligibility: \- African Americans age 30 55 with severe high blood pressure were used in the MH-GRID study. No new participants will be enrolled in this study. Design: \- Researchers will examine data from the MH-GRID study.

Genomics, Environmental Factors and Social Determinants of Cardiovascular Disease in African-Americans Study (GENE-FORECAST)

Our objective is to develop a community-based cohort and novel genomic science resource for defining the biological significance of ancestry-related genomic variation in African-Americans within the GENE-FORECAST :GENomics, Environmental FactORs and the Social DEterminants of Cardiovascular Disease in African Americans STudy. AIM I. examine the associations between common or ancestry-related DNA variants and CVD risk factors (e.g. hypertension) and phenotypes (e.g. coronary artery calcification) in African-Americans (AA).AIM II. To examine the associations between health behaviors or social-environmental factors and CVD risk factors and phenotypes in AA.The study is designed to create a cohort amenable to nested case-control analyses based on a community-based sampling frame with a target size of approximately 1800 self-identified, US -born, African-American (AA) men and women (ages 21-65) to be recruited over the next 5-6 years from the metropolitan Washington DC, Montgomery County (MC) and Prince George s County (PG) areas to be recruited to the NIH Clinical Center. The initial participant recruitment two approaches: 1) a random-digit telephone screening survey targeting study-eligible AA that will be consented and invited to an evaluation visit in the NIH Clinical Center which we contracted with a well-established survey group (Southern Research Group \[SRG\]); and 2) a community outreach effort to recruit participants into the Clinical Center by leveraging marketing and the engagement of community-based leaders, organizations and faith-based institutions in the area. this approach will yield a sample with normal individuals as well as a high proportion of AA with CVD risk factors such as obesity and hypertension that predispose to the eventual clinical signs and symptoms of CVD (e.g. heart attack and stroke). it is anticipated that the prevalence of clinically manifest CVD (history of angina, heart attack or stroke) will be less than 10-15% of the sample. All will medical evaluation (e.g. anthropometrics, blood pressure), laboratory tests (e.g. lipid levels, kidney function), social determinants profiles (e.g. socioeconomic status (SES), perceived stress, discrimination, depression, perceived neighborhood characteristics), blood/urine collection for deep-sequencing based omic analyses (e.g. whole exome sequencing, and RNA-Seq), as well as testing for pre-clinical , biomarkers of the pathobiological processes of CVD or CVD phenotypes (e.g. coronary artery calcification, microalbuminuria, leukocyte telomeres, or vascular dysfunction). It is anticipated that these deep sequencing efforts will yield novel ancestry-related DNA variants associated with the CVD phenotypes; yet with unclear biological significance in elucidating racial disparities in CVD. Accordingly, our protocol also includes a Genotype-to-Phenotype (G2P) component that re- contacts subsets of the cohort based on their genotype (e.g. APOL1 chronic kidney disease risk alleles) for a call-back visit for more in-depth phenotyping and characterization of the potential effect of the DNA variant of interest on human systems biology. In some cases family members of the proband may also be invited to participate in these G2P studies to further characterize the biological significance of these putative functional DNA variants of interest. The primary outcome variables involve well established CVD phenotypes: 1) CVD risk factors (e.g. hypertension, dyslipidemia), 2) markers of pre-clinical CVD (i.e. coronary artery calcification, coronary plaque burden by cardiac CT angiography (CTA), carotid plaque burden by 3D ultrasound, vascular dysfunction, microalbuminuria, C-reactive protein, Vitamin D levels). The protocol will assess exposures associated with CVD and relevant covariates including: 1) social determinants (e.g. socioeconomic status (SES), perceived stress, discrimination, and depression); 2) environmental factors such as neighborhood characteristics (geospatial features of healthy lifestyles \[e.g. walkability\]) and 3) behavioral factors (e.g. diet, physical activity). The G2P callback visit protocol will involve additional measures of in-depth phenotyping that include: 1) peripheral immune cell phenotyping (e.g. T-cell, monocyte subsets); 2) blood/immune cell RNAseq; 3) iPSC cell line generation (endothelial; vascular smooth muscle cells) and analysis of cardiovascular cell systems biology; 4) HDL proteome analysis, 5) FDG PET/CT and/or PET/MRI scan (vascular inflammation) 6) echocardiography, 7) bisulfite sequencing for identifying sites of DNA methylation, and 8) chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (Chip-Seq) for identifying sites of histone modification. It is anticipated that this multi-level, multi-dimensional analysis of genomic and phenotypic characteristics of AA will advance our understanding of the bio-social determinants of the intragroup variance and the increased overall burde...

MegaNatural BP® GSE on Blood Pressure and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors

Inflammation and stressors can interfere with the function of the lining of blood vessels and insulin activity, therefore, investigators are aiming to see how the Grape seed Extract (GSE) called MegaNatural BP can help with limiting the effects of these factors. This research will study the effects of taking 150mg of MegaNatural BP GSE per day on blood pressure levels along with influences on heart health through assessing the function of the blood vessel lining and levels of inflammation.

Exercise and Vascular Function in Postmenopausal Females With Hypertension

The treatment of high blood pressure, or hypertension, is multifaceted and can include pharmacological therapies (i.e., medications) and lifestyle modifications such as physical activity. Chronotherapy, which describes timing of a treatment with the body's daily rhythms, has recently been used with hypertension medications and has been shown to be effective at lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease events. Specifically, taking medications in the evening was shown to be more effective than morning medication routines. Little information is available about the effectiveness of chronotherapy combined with exercise (i.e., planned physical activity) interventions in older adults with hypertension. The purpose of this study is to examine how exercise performed in the morning and early evening affects blood pressure and other measures of blood vessel health in postmenopausal females with hypertension.

Sleep Promotion and Pediatric Hypertension

Determine the effectiveness and feasibility of a mobile health sleep extension approach in the pediatric nephrology setting, to increase sleep duration and reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Sodium Storage in Singaporeans

The overarching hypothesis of this study is that the kidney and the skin form an integrative network for water conservation, where Na+ storage is utilized to prevent body water loss, even at the expense of increased cardiovascular risk. The aim of this project is to characterise skin and muscle Na+ storage in a cohort designed to prospectively measure cardiovascular outcomes in Singaporeans, in order to determine whether humans with increased tissue Na+ storage have increased cardiovascular risk. To gain a better understanding of the mechanisms behind Na+ storage, the investigators will also test the hypothesis that participants with mutations of the skin protein filaggrin, who have increased water loss through the skin, will have increased skin Na+ storage and higher blood pressure levels.

Diabetes and Heart Disease Risk in Blacks

It is unknown if obesity contributes to the development of heart disease in African American men and women. This study was created to determine whether there is a relationship between sex and body size and the incidence of heart disease in African American men and women. Researchers will attempt to associate obesity with the presence of heart disease risk factors. Risk factors that will be studied include; total body fat, body fat distribution, fat content of the blood (triglyceride concentration, low density lipoproteins \[LDL\], and high density lipoproteins \[HDL\]), how fast fat is removed from the blood, and how well insulin works in the body. Scientific studies have shown that obesity and increased levels of fat content in the blood are important risk factors for heart disease in Caucasian women. However, similar studies in African American women have failed to show the same correlation. In fact, it appears that African American women in all three body weight groupings, nonobese, overweight, and obese experience high death rates due to heart disease. In addition, prior research has shown that obese African American men tend to have elevated levels of fat in the blood while African American women have normal blood fat levels. Therefore, if high levels of triglycerides (fat found in the blood) are not seen in non-diabetic obese African American women, it cannot be considered a risk factor in this population. This suggests that studies conducted on Caucasian women may not provide insight into heart disease risk factors in African American women. The study will take 2000 healthy non-diabetic African American men and women (ages 18-70) and body mass index 3 subgroups; nonobese, overweight and obese. Diabetes undeniably increases the risk of heart disease. Therefore patients suffering from diabetes will not be included in the study. Candidates for the study will undergo a series of tests and examinations over 2 outpatient visits. Subjects will have body fat analyses, resting energy expenditure measurements, an EKG (electrocardiogram), and specific blood tests. Researchers believe this study will provide significant insight into the causes of obesity and heart disease in African Americans.

Sleep and Arterial Function in Hypertensive Patients With Poor Sleep Quality

This prospective, parallel-group randomised controlled trial evaluates whether cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) improves arterial function and psychological and cognitive outcomes in hypertensive patients with poor sleep quality. Adults aged 18-70 with controlled hypertension and poor baseline sleep quality (sleep efficiency \<=85%) are randomised 1:1 to CBT-I (four weekly 60-minute sessions) or passive sleep education. The primary outcomes are change from baseline in pulse wave velocity and central arterial pressure at 12 months. Secondary outcomes include blood pressure, depressive symptoms, perceived stress, cognitive complaints, and sleep quality, assessed at baseline, 1, 6, and 12 months.

Role of Sympathetic Activity and Splanchnic Capacitance in Hypertension

The purpose of this study is to better understand the role of the abdominal veins (splanchnic capacitance) and the sympathetic nervous system in human hypertension. The investigators will test the hypothesis that constriction of abdominal veins due to sympathetic activation contributes to human hypertension. Splanchnic capacitance will be assessed in normotensive and hypertensive subjects at baseline and during acute blockade of the autonomic nervous system.

Effects of a Six-Day Whole-Diet Intervention on Taste Perception and Dietary Behaviour in Young Adults

This study aims to investigate the effects of a specific diet modification on the pleasantness, desire, and saltiness intensities of selected foods and an ad libitum breakfast buffet through a randomized controlled trial with three arms. Participants will be randomized to either increase, decrease, or make no change to their daily intake of foods with a specific taste for six consecutive days, and outcomes will be assessed at two time points, at baseline (Day 1) and after the intervention (Day 7), alongside measures of adherence to the assigned diet. Each participant will receive an instruction to modify specific aspects of their diets for six days. This study is crucial for addressing diet-related health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension in Malaysia. By providing robust evidence on the effectiveness of specific diet modifications, the study can inform public health policies, improve dietary recommendations tailored to Malaysian cultural preferences, and promote long-term benefits.

Wearable Blood-Pressure Monitoring Comparison Study

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the accuracy, clinical applicability, and usability of different wearable blood pressure monitoring methods integrated in wearable devices, such as smartwatches, in hospitalized patients. The study evaluates novel photoplethysmography (PPG)-based and wrist-oscillometric blood pressure measurement methods against established clinical reference methods (upper-arm cuff measurements on the general ward and invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring (A-line) in the intensive care unit). The main questions the study aims to answer are: * Can novel blood pressure monitoring methods suitable for integration into wearable devices achieve clinically acceptable agreement with established reference measurements? * How does the performance of calibration-dependent wearable devices change over time following calibration? * How does the performance of the investigated methods compare with each other? * How do the investigated methods perform for patients with different pre-existing conditions ? To answer these questions, participants will undergo: * blood pressure measurements using different wearable devices based on PPG and wrist oscillometry * standardized reference blood pressure measurements using an upper-arm cuff (general ward) or an existing invasive arterial line (intensive care unit) * repeated measurements over three consecutive days on the general ward to assess calibration stability and measurement reproducibility,

A Novel Rural Integrated Care and Early Prevention Model for Older Adults at High Risk of or Living With Stroke in China

This cluster randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel telemedicine-enabled integrated care model led by rural doctors in reducing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events among elderly adults (≥65 years) at high risk of stroke in rural China. A total of 39 village clinics will be randomized to either the intervention group (digital health platform-supported integrated care) or the control group (enhanced usual care). The primary outcome is a composite of cardiovascular death, stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure or acute coronary syndrome at 36 months.

BradycArdia paCemaKer With AV Interval Modulation for Blood prEssure treAtmenT

A prospective, multinational, randomized, double-blind, clinical trial evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a novel atrioventricular interval modulation (AVIM) algorithm downloaded into a dual-chamber Medtronic Astra/Azure pacemaker.

Korean Registry of Target Organ Damages in Hypertension

The objective of this study is to know prevalence of clinical or subclinical target organ damages in Korea hypertensives by constructing nationwide hypertension registry. We will register 5000 consecutive patients with incident hypertension at 20 major university hospitals in South Korea. We will investigate clinical/subclinical target organ damages, renin/aldosterone level and cardiovascular events in each patient.

SPYRAL AFFIRM Global Study of RDN With the Symplicity Spyral RDN System in Subjects With Uncontrolled HTN

The purpose of this single-arm interventional study is to evaluate the long-term safety, efficacy, and durability of the Symplicity Spyral system in subjects treated with renal denervation. Additionally, long-term follow-up data will also be collected from eligible subjects previously treated in the SPYRAL PIVOTAL-SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED and SPYRAL HTN-ON MED studies.

Effectiveness and Safety of Sequential Triple Combination Therapy (Amlodipine/Losartan/Chlorthalidone) in Korean Patients With Hypertension

A multicenter, prospective, non-interventional, observational study to evaluate effectiveness and safety of sequential triple combination therapy (amlodipine/losartan/chlorthalidone) in Korean patients with hypertension

A Study of Clazakizumab (LY5724886) in Adults With Elevated hsCRP and at Increased Risk for Cardiovascular Event

The purpose of this study is to measure the change in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), a marker of inflammation in the body, with clazakizumab compared with placebo in adults who have elevated hsCRP and at increased risk for cardiovascular event. Participation in the study will last about 9 months.

Real-World Validation of Huawei Wearable Technologies for Hypertension Risk Screening in Malaysia

Background: Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, yet many people do not know they have it. In Malaysia, nearly half of all adults with elevated blood pressure are unaware of their condition. Standard clinic blood pressure checks can miss cases of high blood pressure or falsely flag temporary stress-related spikes. While 24-hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) is the standard method for an accurate diagnosis, it is not practical for large-scale screening. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a novel Huawei smartwatch, which uses photoplethysmography (PPG) technology to estimate blood pressure, can accurately identify individuals at high risk for hypertension in a real-world setting. Study Design \& Procedures: Participants: Approximately 500 adults will be enrolled over a 24-month study period. Screening: All participants will use the Huawei smartwatch screening tool to monitor their blood pressure estimates. Validation: A subgroup of approximately 50 participants identified as high-risk by the smartwatch will undergo 24-hour ABPM (the clinical gold standard) to confirm whether they have high blood pressure. Goal: Researchers aim to validate the accuracy of the smartwatch screening tool against 24-hour ABPM to determine if wearable technology can support early detection and timely treatment of undiagnosed hypertension in the community.

A Phase 1 Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Safety and the Pharmacokinetic Drug-Drug Interaction Between HUC2A-752-A and HUC2A-752-B in Healthy Adults

This study evaluates the pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions of repeated co-administration of HUC2A-752-A and HUC2A-752-B compared to monotherapy of each agent in healthy adults

A Combination Triple Pill Implementation Strategy for Blood Pressure cONtrol

This study includes a survey of primary healthcare facilities in Nigeria and Sri Lanka. It will aim to assess the availability and readiness of hypertension care in primary healthcare facilities, and feasibility to conduct a future randomised controlled trial. This study also includes a survey of patients with high blood pressure who will be recruited from primary care in Sri Lanka and Nigeria. Its aim is to understand the characteristics of patients with hypertension, hypertension management and control, including use of pharmacological interventions and lifestyle management. Patients will have their blood pressure, height and weight measured. They will also be asked about their age, sex/gender, socio-economic status, medical history, and health behaviours and lifestyle. Additionally, this study includes focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with adults with high blood pressure and their carers; healthcare providers (community health workers, nurses, and doctors or physicians); clinic administrators; and policymakers. The discussions and interviews will aim to explore experiences, practices, and views on hypertension care and the new treatment strategies. Topics will cover experiences of current high blood pressure care; service availability, accessibility, and affordability; healthcare staff training and how well they follow medical guidelines for helping patients with high blood pressure; what works well and what are the problems with helping patients with high blood pressure; experiences of patients who need help with their high blood pressure; and how well new ways of helping people with high blood pressure are received.

Know Your Pressures NYC

Dr. Lisa A. Hark (PI and Study Chair) and an interdisciplinary team have designed "Know Your Pressures NYC" to conduct blood pressure (BP)/glaucoma screenings in adults age 40+ to identify undiagnosed and/or uncontrolled hypertension and/or glaucoma/suspect. For the purpose of this study, individuals will be identified as glaucoma suspects if they have elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) or have features of glaucoma optic neuropathy, as assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus/optic nerve photographs, as interpreted by the masked Reading Center.

Clinical and Molecular Characteristics of Primary Aldosteronism in Blacks

Background: The adrenal gland makes the hormone aldosterone. This helps regulate blood pressure. An adrenal gland tumor that makes too much aldosterone can cause high blood pressure and low potassium. The cause of these tumors is unknown, but sometimes they are inherited. Objective: To study the genes that may cause primary aldosteronism in Black individuals. Eligibility: People ages 18-70 who: Are Black, African American, or of Caribbean descent And have difficult to control blood pressure or primary aldosteronism Relatives of people with primary aldosteronism Design: Participants who are relatives of people with primary aldosteronism will have only 1 visit, with medical history and blood tests. Participants with primary aldosteronism or difficult to control blood pressure (suspected to possibly have primary aldosteronism) will be screened with a 1-2 hour visit. If they qualify, they will return for a hospital stay for 7-10 days. Tests may include: Medical history Physical exam Blood tests: Participants will have a small tube (IV catheter) inserted in a vein in the arm. They may drink a glucose-containing liquid or get a salt solution. If medically indicated, they may have invasive blood tests with a separate consent. Urine tests: Some require a high-salt diet for 3 days. Heart tests Scans: Participants lie in a machine that takes pictures of the body. A dye may be injected through a vein. Small hair sample taken from near the scalp. Kidney ultrasound Bone density scan: Participants lie on a table while a camera passes over the body. If the doctors feel it is medically necessary, they will offer participants treatment depending on their results. These treatments may cure the patient of their disease and may include: 1. Having one adrenal gland removed by the Endocrine surgeon under anesthesia. Patients will have follow-up visits 2-4 weeks after surgery. 2. Taking drugs to block the effects of aldosterone Participants may return about 1 year later to repeat testing.

Preventative Screening and Health Coaching in a Food Insecure Population

The goal of this longitudinal study is to investigate the role of virtual health coaching on mitigation of cardiometabolic disease risk in an underserved, food insecure population. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does longitudinal, individualized health coaching directed at lifestyle modification reduce patient 10-year risk of heart attack or stroke? * Does longitudinal, individualized health coaching directed at lifestyle modification reduce rates of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes? * Does longitudinal, individualized health coaching directed at lifestyle modification improve accessibility to healthcare? Researchers will investigate the effects of regularly scheduled health coaching sessions on composite cardiometabolic risk profile as well as individual modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. Participants will: * Participate in in-person cardiovascular screening, occuring at the time of enrollment, months 3 and 6. * Engage in virtual health coaching sessions to talk about diet, exercise, weight loss, blood pressure and diabetes control, and accessibility to healthcare * Keep a log of their blood pressure

Embedded Community-based Heart-Age Risk Education Trial in Cinese Primary Healthcare

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a brief Heart Age-based risk education intervention embedded in routine primary care for older adults with hypertension in China. The intervention uses routine health check data to generate a personalized one-page Heart Age report, delivered by physicians during regular follow-up visits. The trial tests whether this approach improves risk awareness and self-management behavior without disrupting clinical workflow.