Cerebral Vascular Function / Vasodilatory Capacity
The Trans-Cranial Doppler technique allows us to access cerebral vascular health. Brain blood flow is measured before and during hypercapnia (increased carbon dioxide concentration) which is a potent dilator of the cerebral blood vessels.
Mechanisms of Microcirculatory Function
This technique allows us to infuse small doses of vasoactive substances into the circulation to assess mechanisms of impaired microvascular function. This is important as impaired microvascular function is a precursor for a variety of cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological etc. disease risk.
Mechanisms of Macrocirculatory (Large Blood Vessel) Function: Doppler Ultrasound
This technique allows measure blood flow in larger arteries (i.e. brachial, femoral, carotid etc.) during various perturbations.