Influence of age, exercise and atrial fibrillation on the cerebrovascular function

Dutra Braz, Igor (2016). Influence of age, exercise and atrial fibrillation on the cerebrovascular function. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Ageing is associated with morphologic and functional changes in the brain, and is a major risk factor for cerebral vascular disease and dementia. Exercise is well known to promote cardiovascular health and reduce the age-related cognitive decline, but the mechanisms underlying this protective effect are not fully understood. Cardiovascular diseases, such as atrial fibrillation (AF), can exacerbate the risk of brain disease. This thesis aimed to assess the influence of ageing, exercise and AF on the cerebral blood flow and its regulation. It was observed that a difference of ≈55% in daily physical activity levels in a cohort of healthy old individuals did not influence internal carotid and vertebral artery blood flow. However, a high cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with increased bilateral internal carotid artery blood flow in young and old individuals when compared to their sedentary counterparts, but the influence on cerebral vasodilatory reserve is still unclear. AF patients had lower cerebral vasodilatory reserve, but preserved dynamic cerebral autoregulation, when compared to healthy controls. Future research is needed to elucidate whether cerebral haemodynamics is modified by exercise training in AF patients.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):