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Our laboratory studies various "mind-body" interactions, focusing on connections between psychological variables and cardiovascular activity. Behaviour and cardiovascular activity are tightly linked, due in part to the fact that the primary function of the cardiovascular system is to deliver oxygen and other nutrients to the brain, muscles, and other organs under different environmental conditions. Usually, this works well though sometimes psychological variables contribute to risk for cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, and vasovagal syncope. Our research examines mechanisms of psychological influences on risk for cardiovascular disease, and psychological interventions that might address these influences and improve cardiovascular health. |