Cardiovascular Physiology Lab

Cardiovascular Physiology Lab investigates lifestyle interventions in the modulation of vascular markers indicative of coronary heart disease risk. Our lab houses a Samsung ultrasound machine equipped with a linear array transducer for flow-mediated dilation, SphygmoCor for pulse wave velocity and augmentation index, laser Doppler flowmeter with a heating element for thermal hyperemia, and a Cholestech-LDX system for blood marker assessments. We use noninvasive testing measures to determine the efficacies of yoga, slow, deep breathing, and other lifestyle practices in modulating cardiovascular disease risk factors.

For more information about our studies, please contact Dr. Stacy D. Hunter, Lab Director, at s_h393@txstate.edu.  

In the News Media:

 Savacool, J. (2019, December). Doing hot yoga 3 times per week has a surprising health benefit. Men’s Journal. Retrieved from https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/the-surprising-way-hot-yoga-can-benefit-your-health/

Robinson, K. (2019, October 16). Hot yoga may lower blood pressure. Practical Cardiology. Retrieved from https://www.practicalcardiology.com/hypertension/hot-yoga-may-lower-blood-pressure

Millard, E. (2019, October 9). How your hot yoga class can help your heart. Runner’s World. Retrieved from https://www.runnersworld.com/news/a29350472/hot-yoga-benefits-heart-health/

Schepker, J. (2019, October 6). Heat rises, blood pressure drops in new hot yoga study. Holistic Primary Care. Retrieved from https://www.holisticprimarycare.net/topics/topics-a-g/cardiovascular-health/2081-high-temps-lower-blood-pressure-in-new-hot-yoga-study.html

Norton, A. (2019, September 16). ‘Hot’ yoga, hula dance your way to health blood pressure. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved from https://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/health/sc-hlth-hot-yoga-hula-blood-pressure-0918-20190916-vqpom7v42zdxzcgzv5jce63viu-story.html

 Hot yoga may help high blood pressure. (2019, September 11). Retrieved from Black Health Matters site:https://blackhealthmatters.com/2019/09/11/hot-yoga-may-help-high-blood-pressure/

Dali, K. (2019, September 10). Hot yoga could help you lower your blood pressure. Consumer Affairs. Retrieved from https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/hot-yoga-could-help-you-lower-your-blood-pressure-091019.html

Norton, A. (2019, September 9). ‘Hot’ yoga, hula dance your way to healthy blood pressure. U.S. World News & Report. Retrieved from https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2019-09-07/hot-yoga-hula-dance-your-way-to-healthy-blood-pressure

Chalmers, V. (2019, September 5). Trendy hot yoga performed in rooms heated to 105F can help to slash high blood pressure, find scientists. Daily Mail. Retrieved from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-7432137/Got-high-blood-pressure-Try-hot-yoga-Experts-discover-patients-gain-small-benefits.html 

Murphy, C. (2019, September). Hot yoga may reduce BP, improve mental health. Consultant 360. Retrieved from https://www.consultant360.com/exclusive/cardiology/hypertension/hot-yoga-may-reduce-bp-improve-mental-health

Study hints at hot yoga benefit for blood pressure. (2019, September 5). Retrieved from American Heart Association News site: https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/09/05/study-hints-at-hot-yoga-benefit-for-blood-pressure