Black individuals are more likely to have decreased insulin sensitivity which results in a high risk for the development of cardiometabolic disease. The reasons for this are incompletely understood. Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are hormones produced by the heart that play a role in regulating the metabolic health of an individual. Low circulating level of NPs is an important contributor to increased risk for diabetes. The NP levels are relatively lower among Black individuals thus affecting their metabolic health and putting them at a higher risk for diabetes. This study aims to test the hypothesis that by augmenting NP levels using sacubitril/valsartan, among Black Individuals one can improve their metabolic health (as measured by insulin sensitivity \& energy expenditure) and help establish the role of NPs in the underlying mechanism behind increased risk for cardiometabolic disease in these population.
Adults: Age more than or equal to 18 years of age
Self-identified race/ethnicity as African-American or Black
Blood pressure: 120-160/80-100 mmHg
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or who can become pregnant and not practicing an acceptable method of birth control during the study (including abstinence)
Have any past or present history of cardiovascular diseases (stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, transient ischemic attack, angina, or cardiac arrhythmia)
BP more than 160/100 mmHg
BMI >45 kg/m2
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Lead sponsor
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Collaborator