Sunlight Study V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A clinical study on the use of twice daily UVA as a treatment for mild hypertension
IRAS ID
185800
Contact name
Richard Weller
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Increased sun exposure correlates with lower population blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular mortality. We have previously shown that ultraviolet A (UVA)light mobilises nitric oxide from human skin stores and lowers BP independently of vitamin D.
In a randomised, cross-over, sham controlled trial we will test whether daily UVA irradiation can be used as an anti-hypertensive treatment. 80 patients will be recruited from general practice. The will receive either twice daily UVA therapy or the same intensity of visible light (sham control) for two weeks using a home phototherapy unit with a 4 week washout period between treatments. 24 hour ambulatory BP and measures of metabolic syndrome will be recorded at the start and end of the active/control treatment. Activity and light exposure will be recorded throughout. UVA therapy may offer a non-pharmacological treatment for early hypertension.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
16/SS/0120
Date of REC Opinion
30 Aug 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion