Dr. Robert S Sheldon, MD, PhD
Claim this profileUniversity of Calgary
Studies Fainting
Studies Vasovagal Syncope
10 reported clinical trials
13 drugs studied
Affiliated Hospitals
Clinical Trials Robert S Sheldon, MD, PhD is currently running
Handgrip Test
for Heart Function Assessment in Adults
Background There are significant limitations in the current approaches to assessing 2 important areas of cardiovascular physiology - the systemic circulation and left ventricular (LV) performance. The investigators' have repurposed the concepts of "systemic vascular conductance" to assess systemic circulation, and the "head capacity principle" to assess LV performance. The investigators' now seek to test these concepts in human adults, with heart failure and without heart failure, using non-invasive methods. Hypothesis There will be a depressed head-capacity curve and reduced power among patients with heart failure which will indicate compromised left ventricular pump function. Methods The research study will involve a single outpatient visit per subject. The study will take place with the subject supine on a bed/table. The subjects will be instrumented with EKG electrodes and finger blood pressure cuffs. The continuous finger BP device performs a waveform analysis in real-time to determine the non-invasive stroke volume, cardiac output, and blood pressure. The patient will be supine for at least 5 minutes to collect baseline data before being handed a dynamometer device. The subject will then be asked to squeeze the dynamometer with maximum force for a minimum of 2 minutes while only engaging their forearm and remaining relaxed in the rest of their body. The subject will then release the dynamometer and remain supine, in recovery, for a minimum of 5 minutes. Following the handgrip test, the instrumentation will be removed and the patient's participation in the study will be complete. The study duration should be about 20 min.
Recruiting1 award N/A2 criteria
CO2 Rebreathing
for Orthostatic Hypotension
Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) is a chronic condition associated with increased cardiovascular risk and reduced quality of life. On standing, patients with nOH experience a large reduction in blood pressure (BP; at least ≥20/10mmHg, but often much more), which is often accompanied by debilitating symptoms and syncope. A previous study (unpublished) showed that hypercapnia significantly increases standing BP in patients with nOH. Human bodies naturally produce and exhale CO2. Rebreathe devices offer a simple, cost-effective technology to increase arterial CO2. In brief, rebreathe devices work by capturing expired CO2, which is then re-inhaled. The net effect is a transient increase in CO2. A CO2 rebreathing device may offer a novel hemodynamic therapy for patients with nOH. This is a pilot, proof-of-concept study to evaluate a CO2 rebreather to improve blood pressure and orthostatic tolerance in patients with nOH. The hypothesis is that a rebreather will increase CO2 sufficiently enough to improve BP in patients with nOH. Male and female patients (n=28) will be asked to complete two randomized 70° head-up tilt (HUT) tests breathing either room air or using a CO2 rebreather. Hemodynamics (BP, heart rate, stroke volume, brain blood flow) and orthostatic symptoms will be assessed throughout. Breath-by-breath data will include O2, CO2, respiration rate and tidal volume. The primary outcome measure will be the magnitude of the BP response (ΔBP = HUT - Supine) during Room Air vs. Hypercapnia. The primary outcome will be compared between room air and hypercapnia using a paired t-test.
Recruiting1 award N/A6 criteria
More about Robert S Sheldon, MD, PhD
Clinical Trial Related4 years of experience running clinical trials · Led 10 trials as a Principal Investigator · 8 Active Clinical TrialsTreatments Robert S Sheldon, MD, PhD has experience with
- Metoprolol
- Matching Placebo
- Carvedilol
- Permanent Pacemaker
- POTS Adrenergic Ab
- Sequential Gas Delivery
Breakdown of trials Robert S Sheldon, MD, PhD has run
Vasovagal Syncope
Atrial Fibrillation
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension
Other Doctors you might be interested in
Frequently asked questions
Do I need insurance to participate in a trial?
Almost all clinical trials will cover the cost of the ‘trial drug’ — so no insurance is required for this. For trials where this trial drug is given alongside an already-approved medication, there may be a cost (which your insurance would normally cover).
What does Robert S Sheldon, MD, PhD specialize in?
Robert S Sheldon, MD, PhD focuses on Fainting and Vasovagal Syncope. In particular, much of their work with Fainting has involved treating patients, or patients who are undergoing treatment.
Is Robert S Sheldon, MD, PhD currently recruiting for clinical trials?
Yes, Robert S Sheldon, MD, PhD is currently recruiting for 8 clinical trials in Calgary Alberta. If you're interested in participating, you should apply.
Are there any treatments that Robert S Sheldon, MD, PhD has studied deeply?
Yes, Robert S Sheldon, MD, PhD has studied treatments such as Metoprolol, Matching Placebo, Carvedilol.
What is the best way to schedule an appointment with Robert S Sheldon, MD, PhD?
Apply for one of the trials that Robert S Sheldon, MD, PhD is conducting.
What is the office address of Robert S Sheldon, MD, PhD?
The office of Robert S Sheldon, MD, PhD is located at: University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6 Canada. This is the address for their practice at the University of Calgary.
Is there any support for travel costs?
The coverage of travel expenses can vary greatly between different clinical trials. Please see more financial detail in the trials you’re interested to apply.
Unbiased ResultsWe believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your DataWe only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials OnlyAll of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.