Personalised Pharmacometabolomic-guided Strategy Trial to Optimise Treatment for Hypertension
High blood pressure is common and can cause serious health problems. Finding the right medication can be tricky. This study, called HYPERMARKER, is testing a new 'smart approach' that uses your blood test results (specifically, tiny substances called metabolites) and other health information, processed by computers, to help doctors choose the best medication for you. The goal is to improve how well your blood pressure is controlled and reduce potential side effects. Around 400 people across the UK and Europe will take part. You'll measure your blood pressure at home and answer questions about your health, with doctors always making final treatment decisions using only approved medications. This trial aims to see if this personalised approach makes a real difference.
At a glance
What is this study about?
You might have been told you have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It's a common condition, affecting many adults in the UK, and it's important to manage because it can increase your risk of serious problems like strokes and heart attacks. While medicines are effective at lowering blood pressure, finding the perfect one for each person can sometimes be a bit of guesswork, leading to side effects or blood pressure that isn't as well controlled as it could be.
This study, called HYPERMARKER, is trying to find a better way. Imagine if your doctor had a bit more information, specifically tailored to you, when deciding which blood pressure medicine to prescribe. This research is testing whether looking at tiny substances in your blood (called metabolites) along with your other health details, and then using smart computer programs to understand all this information, can help doctors make a more informed choice. We call this a 'smart approach' because it aims to make treatment more personal and effective.
This study is a first step to see if this personalised smart approach works. It involves around 400 people from countries including the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany. Everyone taking part will have high blood pressure that needs treatment. The main idea is to see if this extra information helps you get to a better blood pressure more quickly and with fewer issues.
Key takeaways
- This study aims to find better ways to choose high blood pressure medication.
- It uses a 'smart approach' based on your blood tests and health data.
- Only approved, existing high blood pressure medicines will be used.
- You'll measure your blood pressure at home using a special monitor.
- The study lasts 9-16 weeks, and your usual doctor will get your results.
- This research could help many people get the best blood pressure treatment.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you generally need to be 18 years or older and have a recent blood pressure reading that shows you have high blood pressure and need medication to treat it.
However, there are certain situations where you might not be able to take part. For example, if your blood pressure is extremely high (180 mmHg or more), or if your high blood pressure is thought to be caused by another underlying condition like kidney problems or hormone issues. You also won't be suitable if you're already taking three or more different blood pressure medications, have certain types of severe heart or kidney disease, or experienced a stroke or heart attack very recently.
Also, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those planning to become pregnant, cannot join. Ultimately, your doctor will make the final decision about whether this study is right and safe for you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have high blood pressure that needs medication?
- Is your systolic blood pressure (the top number) usually below 180 mmHg?
- Are you currently taking fewer than three high blood pressure medications?
- Are you not pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding?
- Have you not had a stroke or heart attack in the last 6 months?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, the first step is to give your written permission. You'll then provide a blood sample, which will be used to measure the tiny substances (metabolites) in your blood. You'll also receive a special blood pressure monitor that connects to a smartphone app. This allows you to measure your blood pressure at home regularly throughout the study and record the readings easily.
During the study, you'll be placed into one of two groups by chance. This is a bit like flipping a coin to ensure the comparison is fair. In one group, your doctor will initially choose your medication based on their usual practice, and then later get information from the 'smart approach' to see if any changes are needed. In the other group, your doctor will receive the 'smart approach' information from the very beginning. All medication decisions will always be made by your doctor, and only approved high blood pressure medicines will be used. You'll also complete some online questionnaires about your health, what you eat, your experience with the treatment, and how often you see your doctor. The study will last between 9 and 16 weeks. At the end, you and your regular doctor will get a copy of your blood pressure readings and medication details to help guide your ongoing care.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (4)
- University Medical Center Hamburg-EppendorfVerified postcodeHamburg, Germany
- University Medical Centre UtrechtVerified postcodeUtrecht, Netherlands
- INCLIVA, Biomedical Research InstituteVerified postcodeValencia, Spain
- University Hospitals Birmingham, NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeBirmingham, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is 'high blood pressure'?
High blood pressure (hypertension) means the force of your blood pushing against your artery walls is consistently too high. It can lead to serious health problems like strokes and heart attacks if not managed.
What does 'personalised medicine' mean in this study?
It means choosing your medication based on your unique body; in this case, by looking at tiny substances in your blood and your other health information with the help of computer programs, rather than a general approach.
Will I take an experimental drug?
No, all medications used in this study are already approved and commonly prescribed for high blood pressure. The study is about how doctors choose from these existing drugs.
How long will I be in the study?
If you join, the study will last for about 9 to 16 weeks, which is roughly 2 to 4 months.
Will my own doctor know about my participation?
Yes, your regular doctor will be kept informed, and at the end of the study, they will receive a summary of your blood pressure readings and the medicines you took to help with your long-term care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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