A Study of Blood Pressure and Blood Supply to the Brain in Persons With a Spinal Cord Injury.

• Status: Completed
• Trial end date: 2012-04-01
• Target enrollment: 0
• Participant gender: All

Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine how blood pressure and blood flow are controlled during head-up tilt in a semi-upright position. In this investigation we are studying blood pressure and blood flow to the brain, with and without a medication which lowers blood pressure (Vasotec). We will determine how persons with a spinal cord injury are able to maintain blood flow to the brain (not get dizzy) as they assume a more upright position and their blood pressure decreases.

• Phase: N/A
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers?: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Details

• Lead Sponsor: US Department of Veterans Affairs; VA Office of Research and Development
• Treatments: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Enalapril; Enalaprilat; Enzyme Inhibitors

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Duration of spinal cord injury (SCI) at least 1 year

• Level of SCI C4-8 and T6 and below

• matched non-SCI subjects

• Chronological age between 18-65 years

• Euhydration: Subjects will be instructed to avoid caffeine and alcohol and to maintain normal salt and water intake for several days prior to study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known heart and/or blood vessel disease

• Dehydration

• High blood pressure

• Kidney disease

• Diabetes mellitus

• Prescribed ACE inhibitors

• Acute Infection

• Smoking

• Pregnancy