Ultrasound and Blood Vessel Elasticity

Ultrasound is a safe and noninvasive way to study the function of your blood vessels. We will observe an artery in your arm (brachial) at rest and after a blood pressure cuff is inflated for 5 minutes.

Sonographer (top arm) with noninvasive transducer on participant (bottom arm) during exam.

Ultrasound image of brachial artery on screen.

We will also measure how quickly blood travels through your body by placing two noninvasive sensors over arteries in your neck (carotid) and upper right leg (femoral).

At two visits, ultrasound pictures of your heart will be taken. This procedure involves placement of a sensor against the front and side of your left chest area, as marked below.