The Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory focuses on the role of the autonomic nervous system in cardiovascular regulation in humans. We are also involved in studies of vascular biology in humans, examining how changes in neural mechanisms may influence the local control of blood vessels. Our current support consists of 2 NIH RO1 grants, an Established Investigator Grant from the American Heart Association, and 3 NIH Fogarty International Research Awards.

Specific current research activities include the following:

1. Neural, vascular and genetic mechanisms linking sleep disorders to cardiovascular disease. These studies explore the interactions between sleep apnea and cardiovascular function, with special attention to mechanisms by which sleep apnea may worsen heart failure. We are also addressing the potential mechanisms by which changes in neural and vascular function may contribute to the circadian pattern of cardiovascular events.

2. Autonomic and vascular mechanisms linking cigarette smoking to cardiovascular disease.

3. Spectral oscillations in neural circulatory control.

4. Neural mechanisms in syncope.

Our research program utilizes an integrated physiologic approach to studying cardiovascular function, seeking to examine questions with relevance to cardiovascular disease. An emphasis is placed on applying new developments in basic biology to studies in humans. Fundamental to the successful evolution of our program are extensive collaborative interactions within and outside the institution. Current funded collaborations include studies with investigators at the University of Iowa and joint projects with Academic Medical Centers in Italy, Poland, and Belgium.