Mechanisms of Microvascular Dysfunction in Older Women
Purpose:
The purpose of this study is to learn more about blood vessel function in women. With advancing age, blood vessel function declines and cardiovascular disease risk increases. The decline in estrogen with age may contribute to the decline in blood vessel function. The endothelium is the inner lining of the blood vessels, which releases substances to help control blood vessel function. One of these substances is endothelin-1 (ET-1). Ovarian hormones (such as estrogen) may alter the way ET-1 interacts with its receptors. The aims of the study are to investigate the contribution of the ET-1 receptors on the age- and hormone- related decrease in blood vessel function in women. To do this we will use a technique called microdialysis.
Inclusion:You are a healthy older woman between 40-70 years of age.
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Exclusion:
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Your Participation:
Full participation in this study will require 3 visits. Each visit may last from one to five hours. The first visit will take place at the Nurse Managed Primary Care Center. The second and third visits will take place in our lab. Both of these facilities are located at 540 S. College Avenue (STAR Health Sciences Complex) in Newark, DE.
Your participation in this research study is entirely voluntary and you have the right to stop at any time.
Study design:
After Visit 2 you will be given an estrogen patch to wear on your skin (lower abdomen or buttocks). You will wear this patch for 3-4 days, and then replace it with a new patch. The study investigators will tell you which day you have to change the patch and will remind you via phone on the day you will change the patch. You can shower and swim with this patch on. Your last day of wearing the patch will be on Visit 3, which is one week after Visit 2.
Compensation:
You will receive compensation for full completion of the study. Compensation amount will be described during the consent process.