Acute Effects of Powdered Beetroot Extract Supplementation on the Microcirculation of Resistant Hypertensive Individuals

Acute Effects of Powdered Beetroot Extract Supplementation on the Microcirculation of Resistant Hypertensive Individuals

Arterial hypertension is a major public health issue and is considered to be a new epidemic due to its high mortality and morbidity rates. Elevated blood pressure levels increase the risk of coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, chronic kidney disease and death. Dietary nitrate supplementation in the form of beetroot powder extract may offer a more accessible way to increase systemic nitric oxide availability and consequently promote vasodilation in these patients. However, studies are needed to assess its benefits in patients with hypertension.

Methods and Analyses: This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in which patients with hypertension will be randomly assigned to two groups to receive either nitrate powder supplementation or placebo for a duration of 60 days. The primary outcome will be the reduction in blood pressure levels. Secondary outcomes will include systemic microvascular reactivity and quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Resistant hypertensive patients, with a diagnosis documented in medical records, without any change in medication or increase in dosage in the past 30 days.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients will be excluded from the study if they have: neoplasms, heart failure, are using medications containing nitrate in their formulation, or have undergone renal denervation.