๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-04-06

Arterial Stiffness and Blood Pressure (NCT06495710)

Load-Dependent Arterial Stiffness to Optimize Blood Pressure Management in Older Veterans (LOADED BP)

๐ŸŸข Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic ๐Ÿ“‹ Clinical Research Protocol Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

Hypertension is a common and treatable disorder that remains the leading preventable cause of heart disease. Blood pressure treatment relies mainly on upper arm blood pressure readings and ignores blood vessel physiology and underlying individual genetic information. Older Veterans with hypertension are less likely to be treated to goal blood pressure because there are conflicting recommendations for what constitutes "optimal" in older adults. The investigators have developed a novel way to non-invasively assess the components of blood vessel stiffness that is related to blood pressure (load-dependent stiffness). This project will generate new knowledge about how different blood pressure treatment goals (intensive vs standard) impact different components of arterial stiffness and if these differences can be explained through genetic analysis. Results from this project will offer the VA an updated blueprint for personalizing blood pressure care in older adults, ultimately improving cardiovascular health.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL โ€” Birmingham, Alabama

Age range: 60 Years

๐Ÿงช Interventions in This Study

  • Blood pressure treatment algorithm (OTHER)

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (3 Sites)

  • Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL โ€” Birmingham, Alabama
  • Tennessee Valley Healthcare System Nashville Campus, Nashville, TN โ€” Nashville, Tennessee
  • William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI โ€” Madison, Wisconsin

๐Ÿ“ž Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (608) 256-1901

Email: adam.gepner@va.gov

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

Explore by condition: All Hypertension clinical trials

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—