Active clinical trials for "Hypertension"

The purpose of this study is to determine the progression evaluation and genetic determinations of hypertension in Chinese

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness using various instruments in ocular hypertension, normal-tension glaucoma, primary open angle glaucoma, keratoconus and normal eyes.

The purpose of this study is to learn if kinase, a protein found in the heart, contributes to thickening of the heart muscle in people with high blood pressure. A protein called myosin causes the heart to contract and relax. It is thought that kinase changes myosin to make it work better at different heart rates. This study will try to determine if, in some people with high blood pressure, the different forms of this protein cause changes in the heart. If the protein affects the size of the heart, it might be possible to use it to improve heart function after an injury, such as a heart attack. African-Americans with high blood pressure will be eligible for this study. Current data show that of almost 900 multi-ethnic individuals, the particular form of kinase under study in this project is found exclusively in the African-American population. Study participants will have two tubes of blood drawn for DNA testing to determine what form of kinase is present. An electrocardiogram will also be done if a recent one is not available. Some people may also have an echocardiogram, an ultrasound test to image the heart.

We plan to assess the accuracy of a new means of estimating urine sodium excretion. We will compare the chloride to creatinine ratio obtained by titrator sticks with urine sodium measured by a standard laboratory. If found to approximate sodium excretion, the titrator sticks could provide a convenient means for doctors and patients to monitor their salt intake.

CBOCs represent one of VA's main managed care strategies for shifting the focus of care from the inpatient to the outpatient setting and for improving the health of our nation's veterans. Hypothesis-driven research is critically needed to test the basic assumptions motivating the expansion of CBOCs throughout the VA health care system.

This study will explore what may cause people with sickle cell anemia to have heart problems and an increased risk of sudden death. People 18 years of age and older with sickle cell anemia may be eligible for this study. Candidates are screened with a medical history and physical examination, electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiogram (heart ultrasound), and blood tests. Participants undergo the following tests and procedures: Holter monitoring: The patient wears a small, battery-operated device to record heart rate and rhythm over 24 to 48 hours. QRST surface mapping: An EKG using 64 electrodes is done at rest and during exercise to provide a detailed look at the heart and its conduction system. Chest x-rays are taken to examine the lungs. Bicycle exercise echocardiography test: Blood pressure, pulse, heart rhythm and oxygen use are monitored while the patient exercises on a stationary bicycle. Ultrasound pictures are also obtained during the exercise. Echocardiogram: A heart ultrasound is done to check how well the heart is pumping blood. Pulmonary artery catheterization: A catheter (plastic tube) is inserted into a vein and advanced to the chambers of the heart, through the heart valve and into the lung artery. The pressures in the heart and lung blood vessels are measured while the patient is resting and during exercise, with the bed tilted up and down, and after giving 500 mls of fluid into a vein. Blood tests are done to measure a hormone called brain natriuretic peptide, which can increase with the development of heart failure, and nitrite, a substance that can affect blood vessel dilation. Some blood is stored to test for inflammatory markers and for possible future gene and protein analysis. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI): The patient lies in a donut-shaped magnet while pictures of the heart are obtained using a magnetic field and radio waves. Earplugs are worn to muffle the loud sounds that occur with electrical switching of the magnetic fields. A contrast agent called gadolinium may be injected to enhance the quality of the images. Invasive electrocardiographic (reveal) monitoring: This procedure permits study of the heart rhythms over a long time period. A small device is placed just under the skin on the left side of the chest. It can be left in for up to 14 months to monitor the heartbeat continuously during this time.

To examine the role of Transcendental Meditation in stress reduction and prevention of hypertension in Blacks.

To implement and evaluate with a randomized, controlled trial interventions to improve control of hypertension among inner city low- income and minority residents of Seattle.

To study calcium metabolism and the renin-angiotensin system in hypertensive and normal pregnancy.

Some patients with high blood pressure can experience an increase of blood pressure by 10 percent or more by taking in salt. These patients are referred to as having "salt-sensitive" (SS) hypertension. Previous studies conducted on patients with salt sensitive hypertension suggest that their portion of the nervous system responsible for maintaining normal blood pressure (autonomic nervous system) may respond differently to salt than patients with non-salt sensitive (NSS) hypertension. This study is designed to examine the response of the nervous system to high doses of salt in patients with salt-sensitive hypertension and patients with non-salt sensitive hypertension.