Heating Pad for High Blood Pressure
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial investigates whether using a heating pad on the abdomen at night can lower high blood pressure in people with autonomic failure when lying down. Autonomic failure can cause high blood pressure when lying down and low blood pressure when standing, which heat might worsen. The trial compares an active heating pad to a sham pad (one that doesn't heat up) to determine its effectiveness in managing high blood pressure. Ideal participants include those with autonomic failure conditions like Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple System Atrophy, or Pure Autonomic Failure, who experience high blood pressure while lying down. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could improve high blood pressure management in autonomic failure.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that this heating pad is safe for patients with autonomic failure and supine hypertension?
Research has shown that using a heating pad can safely lower blood pressure. Studies have found that applying heat to the body effectively reduces blood pressure in people with similar conditions. For example, one study discovered that using a heating pad overnight lowered blood pressure in patients with autonomic failure and high blood pressure when lying down.
These studies have reported no major harm from using heat therapy, suggesting that the treatment is generally safe. However, it's important to remember that these findings are based on research, and individual reactions may vary. Always consult your doctor before trying new treatments.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using a heating pad for high blood pressure because it offers a non-invasive and drug-free approach to managing the condition. Unlike standard treatments, which often rely on medications like ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers, this method uses passive heat stress by applying a commercial heating pad to the trunk, potentially improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure naturally. This innovative use of heat could provide an alternative for patients seeking to avoid medication-related side effects, offering a simple and user-friendly option for hypertension management.
What evidence suggests that using a heating pad is effective for reducing supine hypertension?
Research has shown that heat therapy can help lower blood pressure. In one study, people using heat therapy experienced a drop of about 5 mmHg in their daytime systolic blood pressure (the top number in a reading), while those not using heat saw little change. Another study found that applying heat locally effectively reduced blood pressure overnight in people with conditions causing high blood pressure when lying down. Heat therapy also improved blood flow in the arteries. In this trial, participants in the "Heat Stress" arm will use a commercial heating pad applied to the trunk to test its effectiveness in managing high blood pressure. Meanwhile, the "Control (Non-heating)" arm will use the same heating pad, but it will be turned off to serve as a sham control. These findings suggest that using heat, such as with a heating pad, might help manage high blood pressure, especially at night.13567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Italo Biaggioni, MD
Principal Investigator
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults aged 18-80 with primary autonomic failure (like Parkinson Disease or Multiple System Atrophy) who also have high blood pressure when lying down. Participants must be able to consent and not be pregnant, nor have significant heart, kidney, or liver diseases that could interfere with the study.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo overnight trials comparing the effects of controlled heat stress versus sham control on nocturnal supine hypertension
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Heating pad
- Sham control
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Lead Sponsor