Importance of fluctuations in mean shear rate on the responsiveness of conduit arteries in humans in vivo

Changes in blood flow through an artery represent a very important stimulus to improve or preserve blood vessel health. It has been demonstrated that long term changes in blood flow through an artery can have harmful effects that eventually contribute to the development of blood vessel disease. Developing a better understanding of these blood flow patterns and how they affect the health of arteries is therefore extremely important. Thus, this research study will investigate two different patterns of blood flow; a general increase in blood flow and fluctuations in blood flow (without a general increase). Subsequently, we will examine whether these patterns of blood flow affect blood vessel function. We expect that fluctuations in blood flow and increased blood flow will cause a greater stimulus to improve blood vessel health than increased blood flow or fluctuations in blood flow alone.

Faculty Supervisor:

Derek Kimmerly

Student:

Partner:

Liverpool John Moores University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: