The Role of Limb-Specific Micro- and Macro-Vasodilation, and Apnea on Aortic Hemodynamics in Adults with Hypertension?

When the heart pumps blood, it sends a pressure wave through the arteries and a percentage reflects back toward the heart, called wave reflection. Stronger wave reflections can put more stress on the heart, which can lead to worse heart health over time. These reflections are more common in older adults, especially those with high blood pressure, but scientists don?t fully understand why they happen. This project aims to understand how the dilation and constriction of blood vessels affects the stress on the heart caused by these wave reflections. Seventy-five middle-aged to older men and women men and women with high blood pressure will take part in the study. They will go through tests that cause blood vessels vasodilate, as well as short periods of holding their breath. The first goal is to see how widening different parts of the body?s blood vessels affects wave reflections. The second goal is to learn how breath-holding impacts blood pressure and wave reflections through changes in blood gases. The results will help scientists better understand how blood vessel changes affect wave reflections and blood pressure. This knowledge is important for creating better treatments for people at risk of heart problems.

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