Carotid Body Activity in Young Onset Hypertension
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A comparison of carotid body activity in hypertensive and normotensive young people at rest and during exercise.
IRAS ID
226635
Contact name
Angus Nightingale
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
High blood pressure (hypertension) is the leading modifiable risk factor for mortality in developed nations. In many patients, we are unable to achieve good blood pressure control despite treatment. New therapies are therefore desperately needed and research has focussed on potentially modifiable targets. One such target is the carotid body. The carotid bodies are tiny organs positioned next to the carotid artery in the neck. In health, their main responsibility is to sense levels of oxygen in the blood and send signals to the brain to alter breathing. They can also increase blood pressure. Previous studies in middle and old aged patients have shown carotid body sensitivity to be increased in hypertension; whether this is the case in early onset hypertensives is to be considered herein. Carotid body sensitivity may be assessed by altering levels of inspired oxygen and measuring the breathing response. Drugs that target receptors in the carotid body are at an early phase of development and further evidence of the role of the carotid body in hypertension will build the case for evolving these treatments further. Blood pressure in the young is a strong risk factor for the development of hypertension in later life suggesting that mechanisms present in early life are key to developing the condition. \n\nIn this study, we will test whether carotid body sensitivity is increased in young adults with hypertension. We believe the carotid body represents a potentially modifiable target in the treatment of hypertension and the knowledge gained from this study will help refine techniques to identify individuals who would benefit from carotid body modulation therapy.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SW/0171
Date of REC Opinion
18 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion