Portable Air Cleaners for High Blood Pressure

(AirPressureNYC Trial)

Overseen By Elle Anastasiou Pesante

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: NYU Langone Health

Disqualifiers: Arrhythmias, Severe hypertension, Cardiovascular disease, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 30 days

440 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether portable air cleaners can lower high blood pressure by reducing indoor air pollution. It focuses on tiny airborne particles linked to heart problems. The study compares real air cleaners with filters (Active PAC) to sham ones without filters (Sham PAC) to observe any differences in blood pressure. Suitable participants are adults living in NYC public housing with high blood pressure who do not smoke or live with smokers. As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to innovative research that could enhance heart health by reducing indoor air pollution.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you plan to change your drug regimen during the first 30 days of the trial.

What prior data suggests that portable air cleaners are safe for reducing blood pressure?

A previous study demonstrated that portable air cleaners (PACs) with HEPA filters significantly improved blood pressure. Research shows that PACs can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which are crucial for heart health. These devices also reduce indoor air pollution by about 50-60%, benefiting heart health, especially for those exposed to pollution.

PACs are generally safe, practical, and affordable. They do not require medication, so there are no reports of serious side effects. This makes them a well-tolerated option for many people seeking to manage blood pressure and improve air quality at home. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using portable air cleaners (PACs) for high blood pressure because they explore a novel approach to managing this condition. Unlike traditional treatments that often involve medication to lower blood pressure, PACs focus on improving air quality with HEPA filters, potentially reducing environmental factors that may contribute to high blood pressure. This method offers a non-invasive, drug-free alternative that could complement existing therapies. By targeting air pollution, PACs could provide an innovative way to improve cardiovascular health, especially for individuals sensitive to air quality changes.

What evidence suggests that portable air cleaners are effective for reducing high blood pressure?

Research shows that portable air cleaners (PACs) with HEPA filters, which participants in this trial may receive, can help lower blood pressure. Studies indicate they can reduce the top number in a blood pressure reading by about 3 to 4 points. Specifically, one study found that using PACs in homes led to a noticeable drop in blood pressure for people with high readings. This suggests that PACs might help reduce health risks related to air pollution, such as heart disease. Overall, the evidence supports the idea that PACs effectively lower blood pressure. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Jonathan Newman

Principal Investigator

NYU Langone Health

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for non-smoking adults with hypertension living in NYC public housing who don't have severe high blood pressure, major arrhythmias, cardiovascular disease, lung disease requiring oxygen, end-stage renal disease or cancer under treatment. They shouldn't plan to travel out of NYC for long periods or change their medication soon.

Inclusion Criteria

You do not smoke and live with people who do not smoke.

This criterion includes adults who have high blood pressure and live in public housing in New York City.

Exclusion Criteria

I haven't changed my blood pressure medication in the last 2 weeks and don't plan to change it in the next 30 days.

I need oxygen for my lung condition.

I have a history of serious heart rhythm problems.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline

Initiation of PAC devices and monitoring setup

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants use PACs in their bedrooms for 30 days to reduce PM2.5 exposure

30 days

Daily self-monitoring

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in blood pressure over an extended period

180 days

Self-monitoring and periodic check-ins

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Active PAC
• Sham PAC

Trial Overview

The study tests if portable air cleaners (PACs) can reduce indoor fine particulate matter and lower systolic blood pressure. Participants will be randomly assigned to use either an active PAC that filters the air or a sham PAC that does not work but looks identical.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Active Portable Air Cleaner (PAC) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Using a double-blind randomized process, active PACs (with HEPA filters inside) will be assembled and placed in the bedroom of study participants. Initiation of the PAC devices will occur at baseline on Day 0. After completion of enrollment, consent and the placement of PACs, electricity monitors, and PurpleAir monitoring, the PAC will be turned on. Participants will be instructed to keep the PACs on in bedrooms during the study duration, closing bedroom doors at night and during the day, when possible. The PAC will run for 24 hours on Day 0 of the study protocol before the 30-day treatment period begins. A kilowatt meter will be installed with the PAC to monitor electricity usage as a measure of adherence.

Group II: Sham PAC Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Using a double-blind randomized process, sham PACs (with no filters inside) will be assembled and placed in the bedroom of study participants. Initiation of the PAC devices will occur at baseline on Day 0. After completion of enrollment, consent and the placement of PACs, electricity monitors, and PurpleAir monitoring, the PAC will be turned on. Participants will be instructed to keep PACs on in bedrooms during the study duration, closing bedroom doors at night and during the day, when possible. The PAC will run for 24 hours on Day 0 of the study protocol before the 30-day treatment period begins. A kilowatt meter will be installed with the PAC to monitor electricity usage as a measure of adherence.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

NYU Langone Health

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,431

Recruited

838,000+

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Collaborator

Trials

3,987

Recruited

47,860,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Approximately 60 million Americans have high blood pressure, with 35 million requiring ongoing treatment, highlighting the significant public health challenge posed by untreated hypertension, which is a major contributor to stroke and heart disease.

The National High Blood Pressure Education Program has successfully increased awareness and control of hypertension, leading to a decline in related deaths, particularly from stroke, but there is still a need for improved adherence to treatment regimens and better access to care for minority groups.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Preventive health services: High blood pressure control. [2008]

Self-measurement of blood pressure at home is possible with various devices, but accuracy can vary significantly, especially among automated models, which may not always provide reliable readings.

To ensure effective self-monitoring, healthcare professionals must recommend accurate devices and provide guidance on their proper use, as many consumers require assistance with calibration and understanding device instructions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Self-measurement of blood pressure: assessment of equipment. Canadian Coalition for High Blood Pressure Prevention and Control. McKay, DW., Campbell, NR., Chockalingam, A., et al.[2008]

A qualitative study involving 35 healthcare providers from Peru and Cameroon found that home blood pressure management, including self-monitoring and medication self-titration, is generally viewed as feasible and acceptable by providers in both countries.

Providers expressed concerns about patient safety during self-titration, the need for supportive resources and policies, and the importance of ensuring patient adherence through education and integration into clinical guidelines.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Healthcare provider's perspectives on home blood pressure management in Peru and Cameroon: Findings from the BPMONITOR study. Al-Rousan, T., Awad, M., Amalia Pesantes, M., et al.[2023]

A 4-week hypertension management program conducted in a faith-based setting showed significant improvements in self-care behaviors among African American participants.

Participants also experienced lowered blood pressure readings, indicating that faith-based organizations can effectively promote health and manage hypertension in vulnerable populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Piloting a Faith-Based Hypertension Self-Care Program in a Church Setting. Alen, J., Forehand, J., Miller, B.[2023]

The Mobile You Blood Pressure Program, an interactive voice response (IVR) system linked to electronic health records, was implemented to improve blood pressure monitoring among hypertensive patients, enrolling 71 patients across 14 clinics.

The program faced challenges, particularly with patient enrollment, as access to validated home blood pressure monitors was identified as a significant barrier by pharmacists.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implementation and barriers to uptake of interactive voice response technology aimed to improve blood pressure control at a large academic medical center. Ashjian, EJ., Yoo, A., Piette, JD., et al.[2020]

Citations

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Effect of HEPA Filtration Air Purifiers on Blood Pressure

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Our findings indicate that, across ten trials enrolling 604 participants, personal air cleaners are associated with a significant decrease in ...

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In our recent meta‐analysis, PACs reduced systolic BP by 4 mm Hg over a median of 6 (interquartile range, 2–14) days. Studies to date did not ...

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Blood pressure (both systolic as well as diastolic) and pulse wave velocity showed statistically significant improvements after AFS use, with ...

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sciencedirect.com

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A systematic literature review was carried out to examine the impact of portable air purifiers (PAPs) on indoor air quality (PM 2.5 ) and health.

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aaqr.org

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Real-World Effectiveness of Portable Air Cleaners in ...

PACs equipped with filters are generally inexpensive, practical, and known to reduce indoor PM2.5 levels by typically 50–60% in experimental interventions, ...

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Air Purifiers May Reduce Heart Risks for People Exposed ...

Study finds in-home HEPA air filters significantly lowered systolic blood pressure in adults with elevated readings. Aug 06, 2025. Facebook X ...