Response of the Myocardium to Hypertrophic Conditions in the Adult Population

Launched by NATIONAL HEART CENTRE SINGAPORE · Jan 27, 2016

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how the heart responds to conditions that cause thickening of the heart muscle, particularly in people with high blood pressure. The focus is on understanding a specific type of heart muscle damage called myocardial fibrosis, which can happen over time due to untreated high blood pressure. The researchers will use advanced MRI scans and blood tests to examine this condition in 2000 patients who have hypertension, making it one of the largest studies of its kind. About half of the participants will be asked to return for follow-up assessments after a year to see any changes.

To participate in this study, you need to be at least 21 years old and have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, either recently or persistently, despite taking medication. However, certain medical conditions, such as severe kidney problems or specific heart diseases, may exclude you from joining. If you're eligible, you'll undergo some tests, including MRI scans, to help researchers learn more about how high blood pressure affects the heart over time. This study aims to provide valuable insights that could lead to better treatments and understanding of heart health for those with hypertension.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. 21 years and over
• • 2. Physician diagnosed essential hypertension, on at least 1 medication for blood pressure control
• • 3. Newly diagnosed hypertension: systolic blood pressure 140mmHg or greater (diastolic blood pressure 90mmHg or greater) on at least 2 office visits (Weber 2013) and not started on any anti hypertensive medications at time of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
• • 4. Resistant hypertension: persistent systolic blood pressure 140mmHg or greater (diastolic blood pressure 90mmHg or greater) despite on at least 3 anti-hypertensive medications (Jennings 2013; Weber 2013)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Known secondary hypertension: renal causes (renal artery stenosis, chronic renal failure); endocrine causes (aldosterone excess, pheochromocytoma, cushing's syndrome, hyperthyroidism); cardiac causes (coarctation of the aorta)
• • 2. Contraindications to cardiovascular magnetic resonance: implantable devices, cerebral aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, renal impairment (GRF \<30ml/min/1.73m2), claustrophobia and women who are pregnant or breast-feeding
• • 3. Limited life expectancy
• • 4. On-going unstable medical conditions: hypertensive crisis, acute coronary syndromes or acute heart failure
• • 5. History of coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease
• • 6. History of transient ischemic attacks or cerebrovascular events
• • 7. History of atrial fibrillation
• • 8. History of heart failure