Blake Perry
Doctor of Philosophy, (Health, Sport and Exercise Science)
Study Completed: 2014
College of Health
Citation
Thesis Title
The Effect of Rapid and Prolonged Changes in Blood Pressure on Cerebral Blood Flow in Healthy Humans
Read article at Massey Research Online: 
How blood flow to the brain is regulated is not yet fully understood. If the brain receives too little blood fainting occurs. However, excessive blood flow may result in stroke. Both of these conditions are influenced by blood pressure. The brain therefore requires a delicate balance to maintain normal function and health. Mr Perry used non-pharmacological methods to induce both rapid (seconds) and prolonged (minutes) increases in blood pressure, and established that both result in significant changes in brain blood flow. That is, changes in brain blood flow occur concurrently with changes in blood pressure. This challenges the dogma that the brain is impervious to changes in blood pressure. Mr Perry’s findings may provide guidelines for compromised populations that can prevent significant cerebrovascular damage (fainting, stroke) during common everyday tasks that challenge blood pressure, such as standing, straining, and coughing.
Supervisors
Associate Professor Toby Mundel
Dr Samuel Lucas
Associate Professor Darryl Cochrane