NCT07641413 · University of California, San Francisco
Lung and Heart Function Across Decades of Life in Health
What this study is about
The main objective of this study is to develop baseline "normal" reference values of both lung and heart function for healthy adults within the age range relevant to the United States Veteran population who served in the Southwest Asia theater of military operations.
View original scientific description
The main objective of this study is to develop baseline "normal" reference values of both lung and heart function for healthy adults within the age range relevant to the United States Veteran population who served in the Southwest Asia theater of military operations. This study will involve performing key components of the Department of Veterans Affairs the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Center of Excellence (AHOBPCE) and a VA network of Post-Deployment Cardiopulmonary Evaluation Network (PDCEN) Core Clinical Evaluation in asymptomatic unexposed healthy controls without known lung or heart disease to serve as a "normal" control comparator group for veterans evaluated by PDCEN.
Interventions
OTHER
Healthy control
Observational study with no intervention
Primary outcome measures
Normal reference values for heart and lung function within the age range relevant to the United States Veteran population.
Time frame: 2 years
Pulmonary Function Testing: The purpose of this test is to determine the participant's lungs' capacity.
Normal reference values for heart and lung function within the age range relevant to the United States Veteran population.
Time frame: 2 years
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing: The purpose of this test is to determine the participant's lung and heart capacity during maximum exercise.
Normal reference values for heart and lung function within the age range relevant to the United States Veteran population.
Time frame: 2 years
Echocardiogram: The purpose of this test is to determine how well the subject's heart is functioning and identify causes of cardiac-related symptoms.
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
- No respiratory complaints (defined as modified Medical Research Council score = 0)
- No use of respiratory medications
Exclusion criteria
- Non-English speaking
- BMI\>35 Kg/m2
- Tobacco smoking within prior year
- Lifetime tobacco smoking of \>5 pack-years
- Current inhaled cannabis use (any modality) \>2x weekly
- Prior inhaled cannabis uses exceeding 2x weekly within the prior year
- Illicit drug use (other than cannabis)
- No prior or current major organ disease, including but not limited to:
- Neuromuscular weakness
- History of malignancy (other than non-melanoma skin cancer)-- HIV/AIDS
- Autoimmune disease
- Solid-organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplant
- Cardiovascular disease (other than mild HTN; \< 140/90; controlled on 2 or less medications)
- Poorly-controlled HTN (SBP\>140 or DBP\>90 or use of more than 2 anti-hypertensive medications)
- Any history of congestive heart failure (CHF, either HFpEF or HFrEF)
- Any history of arrythmia (including atrial fibrillation)
Where
- San Francisco, California
Collaborators
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Related conditions & keywords
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 Jun 11, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations