Heat Therapy in Older Hypertensive Women

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · Feb 25, 2019

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of heat therapy on lowering blood pressure in older women with high blood pressure, known as hypertension. Researchers want to find out if soaking the lower legs in warm water can help reduce blood pressure even more effectively when combined with standard blood pressure medications. The trial will involve women aged 65 to 85 who have mild to moderate hypertension. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive heat therapy, while the other will immerse their legs in cool water for comparison.

To be eligible for this study, women must have a specific range of blood pressure and be able to understand and speak English. However, those with certain health issues, such as severe hypertension or chronic diseases, will not be able to participate for safety reasons. Participants can expect to engage in the heat therapy for 45 minutes, four times a week, over eight weeks. The study aims to gather information that could eventually lead to new recommendations for managing high blood pressure in older women, making it easier to control and improve their overall health.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Women between the ages of 65-85 years with essential hypertension (systolic BP 140-179 and/or diastolic BP 90-109 mmHg)
• • Must be able to understand and speak English
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Illness or disabilities that preclude home-based heat therapy
• • Any evidence of cardiopulmonary disease
• • Severe hypertension (BP ≥180/110 mmHg; for safety reasons)
• • Secondary hypertension
• • Being on ≥3 antihypertensive agents
• • Chronic kidney disease
• • Diabetes mellitus or other systemic illness
• • Any history of substance abuse (other than tobacco)
• • Current cigarette smokers
• • History of gouty arthritis
• • Taking hormonal replacement therapy
• • Being obese (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2)
• • Endurance trained athletes
• • Impaired cognitive function or diagnosed dementia