A research study led by Dr. J. Thomas Bigger, MD is underway at Columbia University Medical Center, New York (168th street in Washington heights) to improve the detection of High Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Hypertension or high blood pressure is a very common condition. However, it may cause no symptoms. You may feel fine, but, high blood pressure can still damage your heart, arteries, kidney and brain. Many individuals have a normal blood pressure in their doctor’s office but have high blood pressure at home, work, or in other settings (“masked” hypertension) or vice versa (“white coat” hypertension). The purpose of this study is to identify blood pressure that needs treatment.
To qualify for this study, you must:
Be 20 years of age or older
Have a blood pressure less than 160/105 mm Hg
Not be taking medicine to lower blood pressure
The study involves 5 visits during a 4 or 5 week period. The total amount of time needed to participate in all 5 visits is about 7-9 hours (some visits are longer than others).
Are there benefits to being in the study?
People who participate will receive all study related medical evaluations at no cost. This includes measurement of your blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and blood tests to assess any damage or risk to your heart, brain, kidneys or blood vessels. People who participate will be paid for their time and expenses.
Where is the study taking place?
Visits will take place at either the Center for Cardiovascular Behavioral Health or the Clinical Research Center, both located at Columbia University Medical Center, 622 West 168th Street, New York, NY.
I am Interested. What should I do next?
To see if you qualify for this Improving the Detection of Hypertension Study, fill out the form on the right to contact the study investigator now. You can access the spanish version of this page here
This research study is sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health