High-Intensity Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (Hi-tACS) for Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Trial

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT07566650

Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing50 enrolled

Overview

This study focuses on individuals with primary hypertension, with the main objective of investigating the effectiveness and safety of high-intensity transcranial alternating current stimulation (Hi-tACS) as a non-invasive, non-pharmacological treatment for hypertension

Hypertension is a highly prevalent cardiovascular disease and a major risk factor for stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease. Many patients continue to have poorly controlled blood pressure despite standard medication, which may be due to excessive activity of the central sympathetic nervous system and poor long-term compliance. Conventional antihypertensive drugs mainly act on peripheral targets and lack regulation of the brain-heart axis, leaving a large clinical need for safe, non-pharmacological adjuvant treatments. High-intensity transcranial alternating current stimulation (Hi-tACS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that can modulate central autonomic networks and normalize sympathetic-parasympathetic balance. Recent studies and our preliminary data suggest that 77.5 Hz, 15 mA Hi-tACS may safely reduce blood pressure in individuals with elevated baseline levels. Therefore, we hypothesize that Hi-tACS can lower blood pressure in patients with primary hypertension by regulating brain autonomic function and reducing sympathetic overactivity. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Hi-tACS in adults with primary hypertension, explore its underlying neural and physiological mechanisms, and provide high-quality evidence for a new non-pharmacological approach to hypertension management.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Primary Hypertension

Interventions

Active High-Intensity Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (Hi-tACS)DEVICE

Active Hi-tACS delivered using a transcranial alternating current stimulation device. Parameters: 77.5 Hz sinusoidal alternating current, 15 mA (peak-to-peak), 40 minutes per session. Electrode montage: one 8 cm × 4 cm electrode placed horizontally on the forehead (covering Fpz, Fp1, Fp2 regions) and two 6 cm × 2.9 cm electrodes placed on bilateral mastoid regions. Conductive gel ensures impedance \<10 kΩ. One session/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks (total 20 sessions).

Sham High-Intensity Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (Hi-tACS)DEVICE

Sham stimulation using the same device and electrode placement as the active arm. Active stimulation is applied only for the first 30 seconds, then ramped down to 0 mA over 10 seconds. For the remaining session duration, intermittent low-intensity signals producing imperceptible skin sensation are delivered to maintain blinding. Same schedule: 40 minutes/session, one session/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks (total 20 sessions).

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 65 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of primary hypertension (Grade 1-3) as defined by the Chinese Hypertension Guidelines (Revised Edition 2024). * For females of childbearing potential, agreement to use contraception during the study. * Willing and able to comply with study procedures and provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy during the study period. * Resistant hypertension (blood pressure uncontrolled despite adherence to ≥3 antihypertensive drugs of different classes at optimal doses, including a diuretic ), or known secondary hypertension. * History of severe cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease (e.g., myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure NYHA Class III-IV) within the past 6 months, or severe hepatic or renal dysfunction (defined as ALT/AST \>3× upper limit of normal \[ULN\], or eGFR \<30 mL/min/1.73 m²). * Uncontrolled sleep apnea syndrome, active infectious diseases, chronic wasting diseases, or significant cognitive impairment. * Current major psychiatric disorder as assessed by the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.). * Contraindications to tACS or MRI: implanted electronic devices, intracranial metal implants, or known history of seizures. * Skin lesions, eczema, or broken skin at the intended electrode placement sites. * Participation in another clinical trial involving an investigational product or device within 30 days prior to screening. * Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would jeopardize the patient's safety or compliance with the study protocol, or interfere with data interpretation.

Locations (1)

Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University

Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Difference in systolic blood pressure at end of treatment

Comparison of the change from baseline in systolic blood pressure between the two treatment groups at the end of treatment (week 4)

Time frame: From baseline to week 4 (end of treatment)

Secondary Outcomes

Difference in systolic blood pressure at week 12

Comparison of the change from baseline in diastolic blood pressure between the two groups at week 12

Time frame: From baseline to week 12

Difference in diastolic blood pressure at the end of treatment

Comparison of the change from baseline in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between the two groups at the end of treatment (week 4)

Time frame: From baseline to week 4 (end of treatment)

Difference in 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure parameter at the end of treatment: Mean 24-hour systolic blood pressure

Comparison of the change from baseline in mean 24-hour systolic blood pressure between the two treatment groups at the end of treatment (week 4)

Time frame: From baseline to week 4 (end of treatment)

Difference in rate of achieving target blood pressure at the end of treatment

Comparison of the proportion of patients achieving target blood pressure (defined as SBP/DBP \<140/90 mmHg, or \<130/80 mmHg for those with diabetes or chronic kidney disease) between the two groups at end of treatment （week 4）

Time frame: From baseline to week 4 (end of treatment)

Difference in proportion of achieving target blood pressure at week 12

Central Contacts

Hongxing Wang, MD & PhD

CONTACT

+86 13911127385 wanghongxing@xwh.ccmu.edu.cn

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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