CompletedNot Applicable

Heart-brain-axis and Psychosocial Stress

Switzerland64 participantsStarted 2021-10-11

Plain-language summary

The main study objective is to prospectively determine the influence of sex-related risk factors and psychosocial variables on neuronal stress responses and myocardial perfusion in a population of 64 female and male individuals 50-75 years of age and free of cardiovascular disease.

Who can participate

Age range

50 Years – 75 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Women and men that are between 50-75 years of age * Post-menopausal status in women * Normal body weight (BMI\<30kg/m2) * Non-smoker or not smoking since ≥ 5 years or occasional smokers. Exclusion Criteria: * Written informed consent was not provided * History of arterial hypertension * History of diabetes * History of cardiovascular disease * History of neurological disorders * History of cancer (unless considered in remission since at least 5 years and not having necessitated a systemic chemotherapy and/or a brain radiotherapy) * Use of steroids interfering with biomarker levels

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Amygdala-to-cerebellum ratio of glycolytic metabolic activities (SUV/SUV)

Timeframe: 11-10-2021 to 20-11-2023

Difference between the rest and stress amygdala-to-cerebellum perfusion ratios (kBq/kBq)

Timeframe: 11-10-2021 to 20-11-2023

Myocardial flow reserve (MFR, no unit)

Timeframe: 11-10-2021 to 20-11-2023

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06345573

SponsorUniversity of Zurich

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2023-11-20

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Mental Stress trials

Who can participate

Age range

50 Years – 75 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Amygdala-to-cerebellum ratio of glycolytic metabolic activities (SUV/SUV)

Timeframe: 11-10-2021 to 20-11-2023

Difference between the rest and stress amygdala-to-cerebellum perfusion ratios (kBq/kBq)

Timeframe: 11-10-2021 to 20-11-2023

Myocardial flow reserve (MFR, no unit)

Timeframe: 11-10-2021 to 20-11-2023