Integrative physiology research focused on understanding the mechanisms contributing to impaired blood pressure control in older adults.
Welcome to the Babcock Lab
High blood pressure is the most common modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and the most common cause of death worldwide. Approximately 9.5 million people die from hypertension each year, about as many as all infectious diseases combined. Blood pressure increases as people age, but the mechanisms for this increase are not fully understood. Two important blood pressure control systems that are impacted by aging are the autonomic nervous system (responsible for controlling short-term changes in blood pressure) and kidneys (responsible for long-term blood pressure control). We use an integrative approach to study how a variety of age-related changes (e.g., declines in sex hormones, increased inflammation, reduced physical activity, etc.) affect these systems. Check out our Current Studies to see if you might qualify to participate our research.
Autonomic Nervous System
The sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system provide short term regulation of blood pressure by regulating heart rate, myocardial contractility, and blood vessel constriction. These are typically considered to be reflex changes to compensate for acute fluctuations in blood pressure.
Kidney Function
The kidneys provide long-term blood pressure control by regulating body fluids. Arthur Guyton described the capacity of the kidneys to control blood pressure as having "virtually infinite gain", making it a crucial system for blood pressure control.