Recruiting

Understanding Why Some Children Develop High Blood Pressure

Plain-English translation of NCT06778239 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated July 2026 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

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What is this trial?

Researchers want to understand why some children develop high blood pressure on their own, without an underlying kidney disease or other known cause. By studying the genes and biology of children and young adults with this condition—along with their unaffected family members—scientists hope to identify the specific genetic pathways involved so that doctors can one day offer personalized, targeted treatments.

Childhood-onset high blood pressure that isn't caused by another disease is still poorly understood. Without knowing what drives it genetically, doctors cannot offer treatments tailored to each patient's specific cause. This study aims to fill that gap by mapping the genetic and molecular landscape of this condition.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 2 and 17 years old and have been diagnosed with high blood pressure (at or above the 95th percentile for your age, or at least 120/80 mm Hg)
you are 18 years or older and were diagnosed with high blood pressure meeting these criteria when you were a child
you are a blood relative (parent, sibling, or child) of someone already enrolled in the study and have never had high blood pressure yourself
you are willing to provide blood or tissue samples, have your blood pressure checked, and share your medical and family history
you have a genetic variant of interest that researchers identified in an earlier study or through prior genetic testing

You likely don't qualify if…

you currently have high blood pressure caused by another condition, such as kidney disease, sleep apnea, or a heart defect
your BMI is above the 95th percentile for your age
you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure if you are being asked to participate as an unaffected family member
you are unable to make your own medical decisions

What participation looks like

You will have blood samples taken and possibly provide a urine sample for genetic testing. You'll have your blood pressure checked and undergo a physical exam, and may have imaging such as a renal ultrasound. You'll also meet with researchers to discuss your medical history and your family's health history. The study does not involve taking medication—instead, researchers are gathering information and biological samples to understand the causes of childhood high blood pressure.

Understanding Why Some Children Develop High Blood Pressure

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)