Aging, Beta Blockers, and Thermoregulatory Responses
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Summary
This study will test the hypothesis that the drugs propranolol and metoprolol will result in greater increases in core body temperature during 3 hours of extreme heat exposure in older adults.
Description
Older individuals are more likely to die or become ill during heat waves. During the 1995 Chicago heat wave, there was 35% increase in hospital admissions for individuals older than 65 years of age. Moreover, adults over the age of 65 have a heat-related death rate that is more than double any other age group. Therefore, with an increasing elderly population that is expected to rise by 60% (to 78 million) by 2035, the causes of this excess mortality must be understood to better protect the ageing United States population. It is notable that selective and non-selective beta blocker drugs are co…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 65+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy and free of any significant medical problems * Normal resting electrocardiogram * 65+ years of age * Controlled cholesterol of less than 200 mg/dl * Controlled blood pressure of less than 140/90 mmHg Exclusion Criteria: * Known diseases or other chronic conditions requiring regular medical therapy including cancer, diabetes, neurological diseases, uncontrolled hypertension, and uncontrolled hypercholesterolemia * Serious abnormalities detected on routine screening * Taking prescribed medications or over-the-counter medications that have known influences on eith…
Interventions
- OtherAmbient Heat
Subjects will spend 3-hours in a heat chamber at 41°C and 40% humidity.
Location
- IEEM Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital DallasDallas, Texas