Kanokwan (Mandy) Bunsawat

Kanokwan (Mandy) Bunsawat, PhD

Languages spoken: English

Academic Information

Departments Primary - Internal Medicine

Divisions: Geriatrics

Research Interests

  • Arterial Stiffness
  • Endothelial Function
  • Microneurography
  • Kidney (Renal) Functions
  • Aging
  • Autonomic Nervous System
  • Blood Pressure
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Regional Blood Flow
  • Exercise
  • Women's Health
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Vascular Biology

Dr. Bunsawat is a Research Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Utah and a Research Health Scientist at the Salt Lake City VA Medical Center with long-term research interests in integrative human physiology with a primary emphasis on age- and sex-related health disparities among individuals with cardiovascular diseases. Her current research agenda broadly focuses on (1) understanding mechanistic underpinnings and physiological consequences of autonomic and vascular dysfunction in the context of aging and age-related diseases and (2) identifying lifestyle and pharmacological strategies to improve the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Some of the ongoing and upcoming projects include studies examining the efficacy of exercise training and drug interventions to improve autonomic and vascular function, muscle blood flow, and exercise tolerance in patients with heart failure and chronic kidney disease. In addition, Dr. Bunsawat serves on the Editorial Board for the American Journal of Physiology - Heart & Circulatory Physiology, American Journal of Physiology - Cell Physiology, Journal of Applied Physiology, and Experimental Physiology.

Prospective graduate (MS/PhD) and postdoctoral trainees who are interested in studying autonomic and vascular physiology under Dr. Bunsawat's mentorship should submit: 1) a cover letter (1-2 pages) outlining their career goals, research interests, and relevant qualifications, 2) an updated CV, 3) transcripts, and 4) 3 references (contact information only) directly to Dr. Bunsawat (kanokwan.bunsawat@hsc.utah.edu). Preferred qualifications include, but are not limited to: 1) a strong background in integrative human physiology or related disciplines, 2) strong verbal and written communication skills (English), 3) a strong academic record, 4) a keen desire to learn, 5) interpersonal skills appropriate for collaboration in a multi-disciplinary team-oriented environment, and 6) prior experience in integrative human physiology research.

Education History

Fellowship University of Utah School of Medicine
 Fellow
Professional Medical University of Illinois at Chicago
 PhD
Undergraduate Skidmore College
 BS

Selected Publications

Journal Article

  1. Ratchford SM, Clifton HL, Gifford JR, LaSalle DT, Thurston TS, Bunsawat K, Alpenglow JK, Wright JB, Amann M, Ryan JJ, Wray DW (2025). Impact of Acute Antioxidant and Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)) Administration on Locomotor Muscle Microvascular Function in Patients With Heart Failure. Circ Heart Fail, e012446. (Read full article)
  2. Wan HY, Bunsawat K, Jarrett CL, Shields KL, Bisconti AV, Weavil JC, Amann M (2024). Regional cerebral perfusion and sympathetic activation during exercise in hypoxia and hypercapnia: preliminary insight into 'Cushing's mechanism'. J Physiol. (Read full article)
  3. Iacovelli JJ, Alpenglow JK, Ratchford SM, Craig JC, Simmons JM, Zhao J, Reese V, Bunsawat K, Ma CL, Ryan JJ, Wray DW (2024). Statin therapy improves locomotor muscle microvascular reactivity in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, 327(4), H859-H865. (Read full article)
  4. Jeong S, Linder BA, Barnett AM, Tharpe MA, Hutchison ZJ, Culver MN, Sanchez SO, Nichols OI, Grosicki GJ, Bunsawat K, Nasci VL, Gohar EY, Fuller-Rowell TE, Robinson AT (2024). Interplay of race and neighborhood deprivation on resting and ambulatory blood pressure in young adults. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, 327(3), H601-H613. (Read full article)
  5. Alpenglow JK, Bunsawat K, Francisco MA, Broxterman RM, Craig JC, Iacovelli JJ, Weavil JC, Harrison JD, Morgan DE, Silverton NA, Reese VR, Ma CL, Ryan JJ, Wray DW (2024). α-Adrenergic regulation of skeletal muscle blood flow during exercise in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. J Physiol, 602(14), 3401-3422. (Read full article)
  6. Iacovelli JJ, Alpenglow JK, Ratchford SM, Craig JC, Simmons JM, Zhao J, Reese V, Bunsawat K, Ma CL, Ryan JJ, Wray DW (2024). Statin administration improves vascular function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. J Appl Physiol (1985), 136(4), 877-888. (Read full article)
  7. Alpenglow JK, Bunsawat K, Francisco MA, Craig JC, Iacovelli JJ, Ryan JJ, Wray DW (2024). Impaired cardiopulmonary baroreflex function and altered cardiovascular responses to hypovolemia in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. J Appl Physiol (1985), 136(3), 525-534. (Read full article)
  8. Alpenglow JK, Bunsawat K, Francisco MA, Craig JC, Iacovelli JJ, Ryan JJ, Wray DW (2023). Evidence of impaired functional sympatholysis in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, 325(4), H806-H813. (Read full article)
  9. Bunsawat K, Clifton HL, Ratchford SM, Vranish JR, Alpenglow JK, Haykowsky MJ, Trinity JD, Ryan JJ, Fadel PJ, Wray DW (2023). Cardiovascular responses to static handgrip exercise and postexercise ischemia in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. J Appl Physiol (1985), 134(6), 1508-1519. (Read full article)
  10. Ratchford SM, Bunsawat K, Alpenglow JK, Zhao J, Wright JB, Ryan JJ, Wray DW (2022). Improved vascular function and functional capacity following l-citrulline administration in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a single-arm, open-label, prospective pilot study. J Appl Physiol (1985), 134(2), 328-338. (Read full article)
  11. Jae SY, Kim HJ, Kunutsor SK, Bunsawat K, Kurl S, Laukkanen JA, Choi YH (2022). Associations of Cardiorespiratory Fitness With Estimated Remnant Cholesterol and Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Healthy Men. Am J Cardiol, 186, 170-175. (Read full article)
  12. Jae SY, Lee KH, Kim HJ, Kunutsor SK, Heffernan KS, Climie RE, Bunsawat K, Kang M (2022). Separate and Joint Associations of Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Healthy Vascular Aging With Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Men. Hypertension, 79(7), 1445-1454. (Read full article)
  13. Ratchford SM, Lee JF, Bunsawat K, Alpenglow JK, Zhao J, Ma CL, Ryan JJ, Khor LL, Wray DW (2022). The impact of obesity on the regulation of muscle blood flow during exercise in patients with heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction. J Appl Physiol (1985), 132(5), 1240-1249. (Read full article)
  14. Cho MJ, Choi HI, Kim HJ, Bunsawat K, Kunutsor SK, Jae SY (2022). Comparison of the acute effects of ankle bathing versus moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on vascular function in young adults. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab, 47(5), 469-481. (Read full article)
  15. Francisco MA, Lee JF, Barrett-OKeefe Z, Groot HJ, Ratchford SM, Bunsawat K, Alpenglow JK, Ryan JJ, Nativi JN, Richardson RS, Wray DW (2021). Locomotor Muscle Microvascular Dysfunction in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction. Hypertension, 78(6), 1750-1759. (Read full article)
  16. Bunsawat K, Ratchford SM, Alpenglow JK, Stehlik J, Smith AS, Richardson RS, Wray DW (2021). Sympathoinhibitory effect of sacubitril-valsartan in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: A pilot study. Auton Neurosci, 235, 102834. (Read full article)
  17. Stute NL, Stickford ASL, Stickford JL, Province VM, Augenreich MA, Bunsawat K, Alpenglow JK, Wray DW, Ratchford SM (2021). Altered central and peripheral haemodynamics during rhythmic handgrip exercise in young adults with SARS-CoV-2. Exp Physiol, 107(7), 708-721. (Read full article)
  18. Jae SY, Kurl S, Bunsawat K, Franklin BA, Choo J, Kunutsor SK, Kauhanen J, Laukkanen JA (2020). Impact of cardiorespiratory fitness on survival in men with low socioeconomic status. Eur J Prev Cardiol, 28(4), 450-455. (Read full article)
  19. Bunsawat K, Lefferts EC, Grigoriadis G, Wee SO, Kilianek MM, Fadel PJ, Clifford PS, Fernhall BO, Baynard T (2020). Central and Peripheral Postexercise Blood Pressure and Vascular Responses in Young Adults with Obesity. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 53(5), 994-1002. (Read full article)
  20. Cho MJ, Kim HJ, Kim YW, Bunsawat K, Jae SY (2021). Acute effect of postexercise cigarette smoking on central hemodynamics and endothelial function in young men. Taehan Supochu Uihakhoe Chi, 39(4), 154-159.
  21. Bunsawat K, Ratchford SM, Alpenglow JK, Park SH, Jarrett CL, Stehlik J, Smith AS, Richardson RS, Wray DW (2020). Sacubitril-valsartan improves conduit vessel function and functional capacity and reduces inflammation in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. J Appl Physiol (1985), 130(1), 256-268. (Read full article)
  22. Bunsawat K, Ratchford SM, Alpenglow JK, Park SH, Jarrett CL, Stehlik J, Drakos SG, Richardson RS, Wray DW (2020). Chronic antioxidant administration restores macrovascular function in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Exp Physiol, 105(8), 1384-1395. (Read full article)
  23. Rosenberg AJ, Schroeder EC, Grigoriadis G, Wee SO, Bunsawat K, Heffernan KS, Fernhall B, Baynard T (2020). Aging reduces cerebral blood flow regulation following an acute hypertensive stimulus. J Appl Physiol (1985), 128(5), 1186-1195. (Read full article)
  24. Cho MJ, Bunsawat K, Kim HJ, Yoon ES, Jae SY (2020). The acute effects of interrupting prolonged sitting with stair climbing on vascular and metabolic function after a high-fat meal. Eur J Appl Physiol, 120(4), 829-839. (Read full article)
  25. Craig JC, Broxterman RM, La Salle DT, Cerbie J, Ratchford SM, Gifford JR, Bunsawat K, Nelson AD, Bledsoe AD, Morgan DE, Wray DW, Richardson RS, Trinity JD (2019). The role of endothelin A receptors in peripheral vascular control at rest and during exercise in patients with hypertension. J Physiol, 598(1), 71-84. (Read full article)
  26. Ratchford SM, Clifton HL, Gifford JR, LaSalle DT, Thurston TS, Bunsawat K, Alpenglow JK, Richardson RS, Wright JB, Ryan JJ, Wray DW (2019). Impact of acute antioxidant administration on inflammation and vascular function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol, 317(5), R607-R614. (Read full article)
  27. Bunsawat K, Grigoriadis G, Schroeder EC, Rosenberg AJ, Rader MM, Fadel PJ, Clifford PS, Fernhall B, Baynard T (2019). Preserved ability to blunt sympathetically-mediated vasoconstriction in exercising skeletal muscle of young obese humans. Physiol Rep, 7(8), e14068. (Read full article)
  28. Jae SY, Bunsawat K, Kunutsor SK, Yoon ES, Kim HJ, Kang M, Choi YH, Franklin BA (2018). Relation of Exercise Heart Rate Recovery to Predict Cardiometabolic Syndrome in Men. Am J Cardiol, 123(4), 582-587. (Read full article)
  29. Yoon ES, Heffernan KS, Jae SY, Kim HJ, Bunsawat K, Fernhall B (2018). Metabolically healthy obesity and subclinical atherosclerosis in persons with spinal cord injury. J Rehabil Med, 50(7), 613-618. (Read full article)
  30. Jae SY, Bunsawat K, Choi YH, Kim YS, Touyz RM, Park JB, Franklin BA (2018). Relation of serum uric acid to an exaggerated systolic blood pressure response to exercise testing in men with normotension. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich), 20(3), 551-556. (Read full article)
  31. Cho MJ, Park YR, Bunsawat K, Kim HJ, Yoon ES, Jae SY (2018). Comparison of the effects of short-term stair climbing and walking exercise on vascular function in healthy young adults. International Journal of Applied Sports Sciences, 30(2), 125-33.
  32. Kappus RM, Bunsawat K, Brown MD, Phillips SA, Haus JM, Baynard T, Fernhall B (2017). Effect of oxidative stress on racial differences in vascular function at rest and during hand grip exercise. J Hypertens, 35(10), 2006-2015. (Read full article)
  33. Bunsawat K, Ranadive SM, Lane-Cordova AD, Yan H, Kappus RM, Fernhall B, Baynard T (2017). The effect of acute maximal exercise on postexercise hemodynamics and central arterial stiffness in obese and normal-weight individuals. Physiol Rep, 5(7), e13226. (Read full article)
  34. Kappus RM, Bunsawat K, Rosenberg AJ, Fernhall B (2017). No Evidence of Racial Differences in Endothelial Function and Exercise Blood Flow in Young, Healthy Males Following Acute Antioxidant Supplementation. Int J Sports Med, 38(3), 193-200. (Read full article)
  35. Jae SY, Bunsawat K, Fadel PJ, Fernhall B, Choi YH, Park JB, Franklin BA (2016). Attenuated Heart Rate Recovery After Exercise Testing and Risk of Incident Hypertension in Men. Am J Hypertens, 29(9), 1103-8. (Read full article)
  36. Bunsawat K, Baynard T (2016). Cardiac autonomic modulation and blood pressure responses to isometric handgrip and submaximal cycling exercise in individuals with down syndrome. Clin Auton Res, 26(4), 253-60. (Read full article)
  37. Arciero PJ, Edmonds RC, Bunsawat K, Gentile CL, Ketcham C, Darin C, Renna M, Zheng Q, Zhang JZ, Ormsbee MJ (2016). Protein-Pacing from Food or Supplementation Improves Physical Performance in Overweight Men and Women: The PRISE 2 Study. Nutrients, 8(5), 288. (Read full article)
  38. Sun P, Yan H, Ranadive SM, Lane AD, Kappus RM, Bunsawat K, Baynard T, Hu M, Li S, Fernhall B (2016). Autonomic Recovery Is Delayed in Chinese Compared with Caucasian following Treadmill Exercise. PLoS One, 11(1), e0147104. (Read full article)
  39. Lane-Cordova AD, Ranadive SM, Yan H, Kappus RM, Sun P, Bunsawat K, Smith DL, Horn GP, Ploutz-Snyder R, Fernhall BO (2015). Effect of Aspirin Supplementation on Hemodynamics in Older Firefighters. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 47(12), 2653-9. (Read full article)
  40. Bunsawat K, White DW, Kappus RM, Baynard T (2014). Caffeine delays autonomic recovery following acute exercise. Eur J Prev Cardiol, 22(11), 1473-9. (Read full article)
  41. Lane AD, Kappus RM, Bunsawat K, Ranadive SM, Yan H, Phillips S, Baynard T, Woods JA, Motl R, Fernhall B (2014). Age-related ventricular-vascular coupling during acute inflammation in humans: Effect of physical activity. Eur J Prev Cardiol, 22(7), 904-11. (Read full article)
  42. Park SH, Yoon ES, Lee YH, Kim CH, Bunsawat K, Heffernan KS, Fernall B, Jae SY (2014). Effects of Acute Active Video Games on Endothelial Function Following a High-Fat Meal in Overweight Adolescents. J Phys Act Health, 12(6), 869-74. (Read full article)
  43. Sun P, Yan H, Ranadive SM, Lane AD, Kappus RM, Bunsawat K, Baynard T, Li S, Fernhall B (2014). Blood pressure changes following aerobic exercise in Caucasian and Chinese descendants. Int J Sports Med, 36(3), 189-96. (Read full article)
  44. Bunsawat K, Goulopoulou S, Collier SR, Figueroa A, Pitetti KH, Baynard T (2014). Normal HR with tilt, yet autonomic dysfunction in persons with Down syndrome. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 47(2), 250-6. (Read full article)
  45. Jae SY, Kurl S, Laukkanen JA, Choi YH, Park WH, Bunsawat K, Heffernan KS, Fernhall B, Kang SM, Park JB (2014). Usefulness of blood pressure rise prior to exercise stress testing to predict the risk of future hypertension in normotensive Korean men. Am J Cardiol, 114(8), 1238-42. (Read full article)

Review

  1. Bunsawat K, Nelson MD, Hearon CM Jr, Wray DW (2023). Exercise intolerance in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: Causes, consequences and the journey towards a cure. [Review]. Exp Physiol, 109(4), 502-512. (Read full article)
  2. Bunsawat K, Skow RJ, Kaur J, Wray DW (2023). Neural control of the circulation during exercise in heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction. [Review]. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, 325(5), H998-H1011. (Read full article)
  3. Wan HY, Bunsawat K, Amann M (2023). Autonomic cardiovascular control during exercise. [Review]. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, 325(4), H675-H686. (Read full article)
  4. Bunsawat K, Grosicki GJ, Jeong S, Robinson AT (2022). Racial and ethnic disparities in cardiometabolic disease and COVID-19 outcomes in White, Black/African American, and Latinx populations: Physiological underpinnings. [Review]. Prog Cardiovasc Dis, 71, 11-19. (Read full article)
  5. Grosicki GJ, Bunsawat K, Jeong S, Robinson AT (2022). Racial and ethnic disparities in cardiometabolic disease and COVID-19 outcomes in White, Black/African American, and Latinx populations: Social determinants of health. [Review]. Prog Cardiovasc Dis, 71, 4-10. (Read full article)

Commentary

  1. Linder BA, Mehrer JD, Bunsawat K (2022). Salty skin: Where excess sodium goes for a rendezvous. J Physiol, 600(13), 3025-3027. (Read full article)
  2. Jeong S, Pollin KU, DuBose LE, Bunsawat K (2021). Brain Blood Flow: The More You N.O. J Physiol, 600(1), 11-13. (Read full article)

Case Report

  1. Bunsawat K, Ratchford SM, Alpenglow JK, Ryan JJ, Richardson RS, Wray DW (2020). Direct Assessment of Muscle Sympathetic Nerve Activity During Exercise in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Case Report. J Card Fail, 27(1), 114-116. (Read full article)

Editorial

  1. Ruple BA, Simmons JM, Liem RI, Bunsawat K (2025). The vulnerable preterm heart: tale from the two chambers. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, 328(6), H1176-H1178. (Read full article)
  2. Carlini NA, Culver MN, Wynne BM, Hyndman KA, Bunsawat K (2024). Diving deep toward the bottlenose dolphins' antiarterial aging secret: insight for the circulating milieu as a novel mechanism to preserve endothelial health. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, 327(3), H639-H641. (Read full article)
  3. Bunsawat K, Richardson RS (2022). Sex as a biological variable in exercise prescription: a critical consideration in developing a road map for sex-related differences in cardiovascular research. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, 324(1), H126-H128. (Read full article)
  4. Robinson AT, Wenner MM, Bunsawat K, Watso JC, Giersch GEW, Charkoudian N (2021). When it's time for the sex talk, words matter. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, 322(1), H66-H70. (Read full article)
  5. Craig JC, Bunsawat K (2022). Low Fitness and High Fatness: The "Double Whammy" on Vascular Health. Taehan Supochu Uihakhoe Chi, 39(3), 91-94. (Read full article)
  6. Bunsawat K, Robinson AT (2021). Delineating racial and socioeconomic-related health disparities in end-stage heart failure: insight from cardiac DNA methylation. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, 320(5), H2031-H2033. (Read full article)

Letter

  1. Jae SY, Bunsawat K, Kurl S, Kunutsor SK, Fernhall B, Franklin BA, Laukkanen JA (2021). Cardiorespiratory Fitness Attenuates the Increased Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death Associated With Low Socioeconomic Status. [Letter to the editor]. Am J Cardiol, 145, 164-165. (Read full article)
  2. Jae SY, Bunsawat K, Park JB (2016). How does high fitness attenuate the risk of all-cause mortality in individuals with increased coronary artery calcification? [Letter to the editor]. Atherosclerosis, 254, 309. (Read full article)