Chlorthalidone for High Blood Pressure in Older Adults

Overseen by TAKURO WASHIO, Ph.D.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase < 1

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Approved in 2 Jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

High blood pressure (BP) is a public health problem worldwide. Nearly three-quarters of older adults (age \~60 years) in the United States have high BP. High BP links to many health problems, like stroke. Drug treatments are typically used in clinics to reduce high BP and the risk of associated health problems. However, these drug treatments may not always benefit brain health. For example, drug treatment may reduce brain blood flow, which may reduce cognitive function in older adults with high BP. Alternatively, reduced brain blood flow may cause high BP due to increased nervous system activity (the so-called "fight or flight response"). Thus, monitoring brain blood flow may help to manage high BP during drug treatment. It is unknown if brain blood flow and its control will be altered by drug treatment in older high BP patients. Therefore, study team will recruit older adults with high BP, who receive either drug treatment or a placebo for 2 weeks and will assess brain blood flow, cognitive function, and nervous system control before and after treatment. Results from this study will provide novel and clinically relevant information on the impact of drug treatment for high BP on brain health. Investigators expect these results will suggest that it is crucial to measure brain blood flow, which may be a therapeutic new target for BP control and brain health.

Research Team

TAKURO WASHIO, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

UT Southwestern Medical Center

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for older adults with high blood pressure who have not yet started treatment. Participants should be generally healthy, without conditions that could interfere with the study or pose additional risks.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 60-85 years old with mild-to-moderate high blood pressure.

Exclusion Criteria

I have very high blood pressure or secondary hypertension.

Any history of substance abuse (other than tobacco)

Endurance-trained athletes

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Chlorthalidone (Diuretic)

Trial Overview The study tests if chlorthalidone (a drug for high blood pressure) affects brain blood flow and cognitive function compared to a placebo over two weeks. Researchers will monitor changes in participants' brain health and nervous system regulation.

Participant Groups

Group I: Antihypertensive drug treatment Arm Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will take a fixed dose of chlorthalidone (a diuretic, 25 mg orally once daily) for two week, with study visits for laboratory assessment at before and after intervention.

Group II: Placebo treatment Arm Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Participants will receive placebo treatment for two weeks, with study visits for laboratory assessment at before and after intervention.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,102

Recruited

1,077,000+

Daniel K. Podolsky

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Chief Executive Officer since 2008

MD from Harvard Medical School

Robert L. Bass

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Chief Medical Officer since 2019

MD from University of Texas Southwestern Medical School