Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Contactless Radar Blood Pressure Validation

This study aims to discover how accurate a new 'contactless' radar device is at measuring blood pressure. Unlike current methods that use an inflatable cuff, this new machine measures your blood pressure from a distance without touching your skin. The researchers will compare its readings with traditional cuff measurements, internal measurements taken during certain medical procedures, and measurements during heart MRI scans. They also want to see if it works well during exercise. This could lead to a more comfortable and infection-free way to check blood pressure, especially for older people or during activities where cuffs are impractical.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University College, London

Enrolment target

150

Start

01 Oct 2023

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2026

Blood Pressure

What is this study about?

Imagine getting your blood pressure checked without a cuff squeezing your arm! That's what this study is all about. High blood pressure is a major concern because it greatly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. While we have good ways to measure it now, most involve a cuff that can be uncomfortable or even spread germs if not cleaned properly. Also, some situations, like during exercise or for older people, make cuff measurements less accurate.

Researchers have developed a clever new device that uses advanced, but safe, radar technology. It has a camera and can measure your blood pressure from a little distance, without touching you at all. This works by picking up tiny, invisible movements and changes on your skin caused by your heartbeat and pulse. The goal of this study is to thoroughly test how well this new radar device works by comparing it to the standard ways we measure blood pressure today.

The study will look at several different situations: comparing the radar device to a cuff while you're resting, comparing it to a more direct measurement inside an artery during a heart procedure, checking if it works accurately during an MRI scan of the heart, and finally, testing its accuracy while you are exercising. This careful testing will help determine if this contactless method can become a reliable and comfortable option for blood pressure monitoring in the future.

Key takeaways

This study is testing a new device that measures blood pressure without touching you.
It aims to make blood pressure checks more comfortable and accurate in different situations.
Participation involves having your blood pressure measured by both the new device and traditional methods.
You won't need to take any new medicines.
Your safety is a top priority, and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you must be 18 years or older. Depending on which part of the study you participate in, there might be other specific requirements. For example, some parts are for people already attending a special blood pressure clinic, or those who are due to have a specific heart procedure (like an angiogram or cardiac MRI scan).

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. These include not being able to give your consent (your permission) to take part, or if you have certain medical conditions that might make the tests unsafe or inaccurate for you. For instance, if you have severe chest pain with exercise, a very irregular heartbeat, or certain metal implants that prevent an MRI, you might not be eligible.

It's important to remember that the research team will carefully check if you are a good fit for the study to ensure your safety and the accuracy of the results.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you able to agree to take part in the study?
Do you already attend a special blood pressure clinic, or are you due for a heart angiogram or MRI?
Do you have severe chest pain when exercising, or a major heart condition that might make tests unsafe?
Do you have metal implants that prevent MRI scans?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the exact details will depend on which group you are in. Generally, you would have your blood pressure measured using both the new radar device and standard methods. For example:

* Some participants will have their blood pressure taken while resting, using both the radar device and an arm cuff. * Others, who are already having a specific heart procedure at Royal Free Hospital, will have their blood pressure measured with the radar device at the same time as a more direct internal measurement. * Another group will have their blood pressure measured with the radar device and a cuff while lying inside a heart MRI scanner. * Finally, some participants will have their blood pressure measured with both devices while doing some exercise.

Each visit will involve these measurements, and the total duration of your participation will depend on the specific group. You won't be expected to take any new medication as part of this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might offer the benefit of contributing to new medical knowledge that could make blood pressure monitoring more comfortable and accessible for everyone in the future. You will also receive careful monitoring of your blood pressure during the tests. Potential risks are generally low, as the radar device is non-contact and uses safe technology. However, some procedures you might undergo (like an angiogram or MRI) are existing medical procedures with their own set of usual risks, which your doctor will explain. There may be minor discomfort from cuff measurements or exercise tests. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

UCL Bloomsbury Centre for Clinical Phenotyping
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a 'contactless' blood pressure device?

It's a device that can measure your blood pressure without touching your skin, unlike the traditional cuff that wraps around your arm.

Why is this new device important?

It could make blood pressure checks more comfortable, reduce the risk of infection from shared cuffs, and provide more accurate readings in situations like during exercise or for older people.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medications.

How does the radar device work?

It uses safe radar technology and a camera to detect tiny, unseeable movements and changes on your skin caused by your heartbeat and pulse, which helps it figure out your blood pressure.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you are free to leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect your regular medical care.

How to find out more

Debbie Falconer, MBBS

debbie.falconer@nhs.net 07984548291 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.