NCT06495710 · VA Office of Research and Development
Arterial Stiffness and Blood Pressure
(LOADED-BP)
What this study is about
Hypertension is a common and treatable disorder that remains the leading preventable cause of heart disease. Blood pressure treatment relies mainly on upper treatment group$1 blood pressure readings and ignores blood vessel physiology and underlying individual genetic information.
View original scientific description
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 participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Male and female participants from VA VISN 7, 9, and 12 will be eligible to participate if they are over age 60 years and have a diagnosis of hypertension or take antihypertensive medications (up to 4).
- Veterans will require documented SBP readings on 2 or more office visits that are 140 mmHg or average home blood pressure readings 135 mmHg to be eligible for the trial.
- Participants must be willing to be randomized to intensive or standard blood pressure treatment and have blood pressure medications adjusted per the study protocol.
- They must be willing to undergo tonometric evaluation of arterial stiffness, and carotid artery ultrasound.
Exclusion criteria
- Participants who have an indication for a specific BP lowering medication that is not included in the study protocol or a known secondary cause of hypertension will be excluded.
- Patients will be excluded if they have:
- a standing SBP \<110 mmHg
- past history of a recent CVD event in the past 12 months (i.e., coronary artery disease event/intervention, congestive heart failure exacerbation or heart failure hospitalization, atrial fibrillation, or peripheral arterial disease intervention)
- a class I indication for betablocker use including atrial arrhythmias
- left-ventricular systolic function \<50%, \>moderate aortic stenosis
- history of stroke
- chronic kidney disease (eGFR\<30 mL/min/m2) or proteinuria in excess of 1 gram/day or polycystic kidney disease
- active cancer (other than untreated, non-metastatic prostate cancer and non-melanoma skin cancer)
- hypoxemic pulmonary disease
- active rheumatologic or connective tissue diseases (i.e., systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.)
- human immunodeficiency virus
- illness with any infectious etiology or fever \>38°C (i.e., upper respiratory illness, gastrointestinal illness, etc.)
- hospitalization for any reason within the prior 4 weeks
- Participants will be excluded if arm circumference is too large/small to allow accurate blood pressure recordings
- The investigators will also exclude those with factors that may limit adherence to the study interventions or follow-up including active substance abuse, plans to move outside the study catchment areas within 12 months or a history of poor medication adherence or clinic no-shows
Where
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Madison, Wisconsin
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations