
Effects of Propofol and Isoflurane on Pulmonary Vascular Resistance
HypertensionPulmonaryThe investigators hypothesize that there is no difference between the effects of isoflurane and propofol anaesthesia on pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR).

Auto-immunity and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Pulmonary Arterial HypertensionHIV Infection3 moreThe investigators have recently evidenced the presence of antibodies to endothelial cells and fibroblasts in patients with idiopathic or SSc-associated PAH. The investigators also have identified several target antigens of anti-fibroblasts antibodies. The objective of this study is to further investigate for the presence of antibodies to endothelial cells and fibroblasts in patients and characterize the antigen specificity of autoantibodies in patients with different types of non idiopathic and non SSc-associated PAH, such as PAH associated with HIV infection, porto-pulmonary hypertension, congenital heart diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease and Sjögren's syndrome

A Pilot Study of Chronic Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Sickle Cell Disease-Associated Pulmonary...
Pulmonary HypertensionSickle Cell DiseasePulmonary hypertension, a complication associated with an increased risk of death, is common in patients with sickle cell disease. Despite its frequency, there remains no standard treatment for this complication in patients with sickle cell disease. In this small study, the investigators will evaluate the effect of monthly transfusion of red blood cells to patients with sickle cell disease-associated pulmonary hypertension. The investigators speculate that by increasing the hemoglobin level and decreasing the amount of sickle red blood cells, these patients would experience improvements in their PHT.

A 16 Week Study to Evaluate the Effect on Insulin Sensitivity of Valsartan (320 mg) and Hydrochlorothiazide...
METABOLIC SYNDROMEHYPERTENSION1 moreThe metabolic syndrome is a classification for patients with a constellation of risk factors which may include abdominal obesity, hypertension, elevated blood lipids and sugar. Three or more of these factors together constitute the metabolic syndrome and place these patients at a greater risk for the development of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study is to determine whether two common drugs to lower blood pressure, whether used separately or in combination, have different effects on blood sugar levels in patients diagnosed with the metabolic syndrome.

3-D Transcranial Ultrasound Analysis Study
Cerebrovascular AccidentIntracranial HypertensionThe purpose of this study is to investigate real time 3-D ultrasound imaging of the brain for the diagnosis and evaluation of stroke.

Pharmacodynamic Influences of Candesartan, Atenolol, Hydrochlorothiazide and Drug Combinations in...
HypertensionAngiotensin receptor antagonists (ARA), beta-blockers and diuretics do not seem to confer equivalent cardiovascular protection in hard outcomes clinical trials (beta blockers inferior). These results may be explained by differences in their effects on sympathetic activity, oxidative stress, inflammation and renin angiotensin system activation. How diuretic addition to first line therapy with ARAs and beta-blockers modulates neurohumoral and hemodynamic parameters is not well understood. The main hypothesis of this study is that an ARA (candesartan) combined or not with a diuretic will not increase sympathetic activity as much as a beta blocker (atenolol). Secondary hypothesis are of similar nature but relate to hemodynamic parameters, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory markers, or the renin angiotensin system. The main objective of this study is to assess and compare the effects of candesartan and atenolol and their combination with low dose diuretic therapy on the autonomic nervous system, hemodynamic parameters,on oxidative stress, on inflammatory markers, and on the renin-angiotensin system. Protocol sponsored by Astra Zeneca canada

Natrecor for Pulmonary Hypertension in Lung Transplants
Pulmonary HypertensionThis study seeks to demonstrate that Natrecor® (nesiritide) is safe and effective and has a favorable hemodynamic profile in lung transplant recipients that will allow for the avoidance of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) use. It is estimated that the use of nesiritide will decrease the otherwise historically mandated use of iNO by 50%, as compared to the necessity of iNO use by matched historical controls.

Studying the Effects of Antihypertensives on Individuals at Risk for Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's DiseaseHypertensionAngiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) are a group of blood pressure-lowering medicines. Some studies suggest that ACE-I, such as ramipril, may help prevent Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of the research is to see how ramipril affects a substance in the body called beta-amyloid. Beta-amyloid is found in the brain and in the liquid around the brain and spinal cord. High amounts of beta-amyloid may be associated with a greater risk of getting Alzheimer's disease. This study will see if ramipril can lower the amount of beta-amyloid in the spinal fluid. This study will also see if ramipril affects blood vessel function and memory and thinking. The investigators hope that future studies will show whether ramipril might prevent memory loss and decrease the chance of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Inhaled Iloprost as an Adjunct to Inhaled Nitric Oxide in Pediatric Critical Care Patients
Pulmonary HypertensionNeonatal Hypoxic Respiratory Failure3 moreThe purpose of this study is to determine whether inhaled iloprost is safe and effective in pediatric patients with pulmonary hypertension who are sick in the intensive care unit.

Study on B-blockers to Prevent Decompensation of Cirrhosis With HTPortal
Portal Hypertension GastropathyEsophageal Varices3 moreThis is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effectiveness of treatment with beta-blockers to prevent decompensation of cirrhosis with portal hypertension.