Dr. Rebecca Kappus

Dr. Rebecca Kappus teaches in the Department of Kinesiology and studies cardiovascular physiology and health with a focus in the prevention of cardiovascular disease among high-risk populations. She is interested in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease and potential interventions to reduce risk factors. In various studies, her research has explored cardiac and arterial health in relation to age, race, sex, occupation, weight, exercise, and health conditions.

She has led community outreach on topics such as how to eat healthy on a budget, fitting exercise into a busy schedule, and how to exercise safely at a gym or at home. At Appalachian State University, she teaches courses in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology, exercise prescription in clinical populations, electrocardiography (EKG), and clinical exercise testing.

Kappus has been a certified clinical exercise physiologist (ACSM-CEP) since 2010.

Areas of expertise

• Cardiovascular health
• Cardiovascular disease prevention in high-risk populations
• Oxidative stress
• Sex differences and effects of aging on cardiovascular function
• Exercise, arterial stiffness, and endothelial function