the lab — Cardiovascular & Applied Physiology Laboratory

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Building knowledge to improve cardiovascular health across the lifespan.

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LABORATORY TESTS & PROCEDURES

DXA, DEXA, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, body composition, body density — Body composition

We use dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans to measure muscle mass, fat mass, and bone mineral density. [Biorender image]

inspiratory muscle strength training, IMST, respiratory — Inspiratory muscle function

We use the PowerBreathe K3 to measure peak inspiratory pressure during a forceful inhalation. (Photo credit: Casey A. Cass/University of Colorado)

Beat-to-beat blood pressure

We use a special finger pressure cuff to measure blood pressure for each heartbeat non-invasively.

Responses to hyperventilation

We measure the cardiovascular responses to hyperventilation safely by using a medical-grade gas mixture with slightly elevated carbon dioxide to prevent dizziness.

Exercise testing

We measure oxygen consumption during submaximal and peak (i.e., VO2peak) cycling exercise. We also calculate breathing efficiency and fuel utilization.

Blood vessel stiffness

We use applanation tonometry to measure the arterial stiffness non-invasively.

echocardiography, heart function, heart, echo, cardiac — Heart function

We use echocardiography to measure heart function non-invasively at rest and during cycling exercise.

flow-mediated dilation, artery health, vascular function, blood vessel — Blood vessel relaxation

We use sonography to measure brachial artery flow-mediated dilation non-invasively. This is the gold standard measure of vascular endothelial function.

blood, blood draw, blood analysis — Blood analysis

We collect venous blood samples to measure several health biomarkers (e.g., cholesterol).

Brain blood flow

We use sonography to measure brain blood flow non-invasively.

blood vessel health, artery, pulse wave analysis — Pulse wave analysis

We use an upper arm blood pressure cuff to non-invasively measure central pressure waveforms.

MSNA, sympathetic, sympathetic nervous system — Nervous system activity

We use ultrasound-guided microneurography to measure sympathetic nervous system activity directly.

cardiovascular, ambulatory blood pressure, blood pressure monitor, cardiovascular health — Ambulatory blood pressure

We use the only automated monitors validated for measuring ambulatory 24-hour blood pressure. This is the gold standard measure of blood pressure.

blood pressure, health, monitor, heart rate — Resting blood pressure

We measure resting blood pressure in the laboratory following the American Heart Association guidelines.

Pulmonary function testing

We use spirometry to measure forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, and maximal voluntary ventilation.

handgrip exercise, exercise pressor reflex, laboratory — Handgrip exercise

We measure handgrip strength and cardiovascular responses during submaximal handgrip exercise.

physical activity, exercise, tracking, activity, actigraph — Physical activity monitoring

We use accelerometers to measure physical activity habits in daily life.