Gal-3 appears to be a potential mediator of cardiac fibrosis, preceding the development of clinical heart failure. In this study, we seek to identify individuals at risk for the development of heart failure based on clinical hypertension and elevated Gal-3 concentrations. Participants will be randomized to receive a Gal-3 inhibitor (MCP) or placebo. The primary outcome will be the effect on collagen metabolism, and secondary outcomes include echocardiographic measures of cardiac structure and function, and non-invasive measures of vascular function.
