Impact of Iron Supplementation on Right Ventricular Function and Exercise Performance in Hypoxia

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, DENVER · Apr 21, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at whether taking iron supplements can help improve exercise performance in people who have difficulty breathing in low-oxygen conditions, like those experienced at high altitudes. Specifically, the study will focus on how iron supplementation may affect the function of the right side of the heart, known as right ventricular function, which can be impacted by low oxygen levels.

To participate in this study, individuals must be between 18 and 60 years old and, for women, should be premenopausal. However, some people may not be eligible if they have certain heart or lung conditions, are taking specific medications, or have recently taken iron supplements. If you decide to join, you can expect to take iron pills and engage in some exercise assessments to see how well you perform under low-oxygen conditions. The study has not started recruiting participants yet, so there will be more information available soon.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 18 - 60
• • For women, premenopausal status
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Active cardiovascular or pulmonary disease (e.g. hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, valvular abnormalities, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, tobacco use, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, interstitial lung disease, restrictive lung disease, or pulmonary hypertension)
• • Use of cardiac- or pulmonary-related medications
• • Prior history of high altitude pulmonary edema or high altitude cerebral edema
• • Body mass index \< 18.5 or \> 30
• • Anemia
• • Iron deficiency
• • Iron supplementation (oral or intravenous) in the preceding 60 days
• • Systemic anticoagulation or aspirin use that cannot be temporarily held for the study
• • Pregnancy
• • Non-cardiopulmonary disorders that adversely influence exercise ability (e.g. arthritis or peripheral vascular disease)
• • Dedicated athletic training (defined here as spending \>9 hours per week in vigorous physical activity \[≥6 mets\])
• • Regular high-altitude exercise (defined here as engaging in vigorous physical activity \[≥1 hour at ≥6 mets\] at ≥8,000 ft for \>2 days per week over the preceding 4 weeks)
• • Residence at ≥8,000 ft for 3 or more consecutive nights in the preceding 30 days