Passive Heating for Aging
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you do not take certain medications, such as anti-hypertensive drugs, statins, beta blockers, anti-coagulants, and others listed in the exclusion criteria. If you are on any of these medications, you may need to stop taking them to participate.
Is passive heating generally safe for humans?
How does passive heating treatment differ from other treatments for aging-related insomnia?
Passive heating, such as taking a warm bath in the evening, is unique because it increases body temperature, which can improve sleep quality in older adults with insomnia by enhancing deep sleep and delaying the body's temperature drop during the night. This approach is different from medications as it uses heat to naturally regulate sleep patterns.678910
What is the purpose of this trial?
Vascular dysfunction is a common factor in many chronic debilitating diseases, contributing to morbidity and mortality. With the onset of chronic disease or exposure to stress, the vasculature displays an inability to adequately respond to increased blood flow demands, manifesting in a reduced ability or altered mechanism of vasodilation. Aging is an independent risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease, and reduces vasodilator capacity, or alters the mechanism by which vasodilation occurs in multiple vascular beds. Chronic exercise/physical activity is one of the most potent ways to enhance vascular function, resulting in favorable outcomes such as reductions in blood pressure, and improved ability to perform activities of daily living. Barriers to exercise or failure of long-term adherence preclude many populations from the cardiovascular benefits of exercise, thus further enhancing cardiovascular risk. Avenues to mimic blood flow patterns observed with exercise may exert beneficial effects without the need for the ability to exercise. Recent evidence has demonstrated that passive heat therapy, or chronic heat exposure (\~ +1°C in core temperature) results in reductions in major adverse cardiovascular events, blood pressure and improved large artery endothelial function, primarily through preservation of large artery function in response to vascular stress. It is unclear whether microvascular function is augmented in response to acute heat exposure, or whether this can protect against vascular insults particularly in older adults. Some preliminary evidence in humans suggest that autophagy, a cell recycling process is involved in the beneficial cardiovascular effects, as short-term heat exposure upregulates markers of autophagy. Previous evidence from our lab indicates that autophagy governs the mechanism by which microvascular vasodilation occurs. The role of autophagy in mediating the beneficial effects of passive heating is unknown.
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for older adults interested in improving their blood vessel function, which can help prevent heart disease. Participants should be able to undergo passive heating sessions. Specific eligibility details are not provided, so it's best to contact the study team for more information.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo passive heating therapy with lower limbs immersed in warm circulating water for 60 minutes
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in microvascular function and other cardiovascular parameters
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Passive Heating
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
William Hughes
Lead Sponsor