Vascular Effects of Acute Sodium (VEAS) Study

Description

This IRB will cover a current clinical trial (NCT04244604) that was started at Auburn University (AU IRB#19-390), the Principal Investigator's prior institution, and is supported by his NIH Career Development Award (NHLBI K01HL147998). About nine out of ten Americans overconsume dietary salt. Compared to other racial groups, Black individuals are more prone to salt-sensitive hypertension and negative cardiovascular conditions associated with high salt intake. However, there is a critical need to determine the reasons behind and mechanisms that contribute to these racial disparities. Both acute (single meal) and chronic high-dietary sodium cause small but important increases in blood sodium concentration that are associated with altered blood pressure regulation and blood vessel dysfunction. However, racial differences in these measures have not been examined. This is important because Black individuals generally exhibit lower circulating concentrations of hormones (e.g., renin, aldosterone, angiotensin 2) that buffer changes in body sodium to regulate blood pressure, and this could make them more vulnerable to the negative effects of a high-sodium meal. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine whether there are racial differences in blood pressure regulation and blood flow after a high-sodium meal. The investigators will assess blood pressure regulation, blood vessel stiffness, and the blood vessel's ability to dilate before and after a high-salt meal and a low-salt control meal (both meals are low-salt tomato soup with varied added salt). The investigators will also collect blood and urine to measure sodium and determine biochemical changes that may be contributing to racial differences in cardiovascular function.

Conditions

Sodium Excess, Racial Disparities, Blood Pressure, Cardiovascular Risk Factor

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

This IRB will cover a current clinical trial (NCT04244604) that was started at Auburn University (AU IRB#19-390), the Principal Investigator's prior institution, and is supported by his NIH Career Development Award (NHLBI K01HL147998). About nine out of ten Americans overconsume dietary salt. Compared to other racial groups, Black individuals are more prone to salt-sensitive hypertension and negative cardiovascular conditions associated with high salt intake. However, there is a critical need to determine the reasons behind and mechanisms that contribute to these racial disparities. Both acute (single meal) and chronic high-dietary sodium cause small but important increases in blood sodium concentration that are associated with altered blood pressure regulation and blood vessel dysfunction. However, racial differences in these measures have not been examined. This is important because Black individuals generally exhibit lower circulating concentrations of hormones (e.g., renin, aldosterone, angiotensin 2) that buffer changes in body sodium to regulate blood pressure, and this could make them more vulnerable to the negative effects of a high-sodium meal. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine whether there are racial differences in blood pressure regulation and blood flow after a high-sodium meal. The investigators will assess blood pressure regulation, blood vessel stiffness, and the blood vessel's ability to dilate before and after a high-salt meal and a low-salt control meal (both meals are low-salt tomato soup with varied added salt). The investigators will also collect blood and urine to measure sodium and determine biochemical changes that may be contributing to racial differences in cardiovascular function.

The Effects of a High Salt Meal on Blood Flow Regulation

Vascular Effects of Acute Sodium (VEAS) Study

Condition
Sodium Excess
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Auburn

Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, United States, 36849

Bloomington

Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, Indiana, United States, 47405

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 1. Are between the ages of 19-75.
  • 2. Have blood pressure no higher than 150/90 mmHg.
  • 3. Have a BMI below 35 Kg/m2 (otherwise healthy)
  • 4. Free from metabolic disease (diabetes or renal disease), pulmonary disorders (e.g., COPD \& cystic fibrosis), and cardiovascular disease (peripheral vascular, cardiac, or cerebrovascular).
  • 5. Do not have any precluding medical issues that prevent participants from exercising (i.e., cardiovascular issues, or muscle/joint issues including painful arthritis) or giving blood (e.g., blood thinners).
  • 6. Are not currently smoking, using smokeless tobacco, nor smoked within the past 12 months.
  • 1. High blood pressure - greater the 150/90 mmHg
  • 2. Low blood pressure - less than 90/50 mmHg
  • 3. History of cardiovascular disease
  • 4. History of cancer
  • 5. History of diabetes
  • 6. History of kidney disease
  • 7. Obesity (BMI \> 30 kg/m2)
  • 8. Smoking or tobacco use
  • 9. Current pregnancy
  • 10. Nursing mothers
  • 11. Communication barriers

Ages Eligible for Study

19 Years to 75 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

Indiana University,

Study Record Dates

2026-05-31