Racial Differences in Arterial Stiffness and Cerebral Function

Brooks Gump (PH) co-I, Kevin Heffernan (EXE) co-I, Tiago Barreira (EXE) co-I
Extramural Sponsored Project – National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities/NIH/DHHS, $154,000

Falk Family Endowed Professor of Public Health, Brooks Gump is a co-investigator working with primary investigator, Kevin Heffernan and co-investigator Tiago Barreira from the Falk College department of Exercise Science on the project Racial Differences in Arterial Stiffness and Cerebral Function funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities/NIH/DHHS for $154,000. There are well documented racial differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, including hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes. These CVD risks are associated with underlying racial differences in systemic vascular functioning that may manifest as subclinical changes early in life. Recent evidence suggests that these vascular changes may have detrimental effects on the brain. The study will consider racial differences in vascular functioning and associated brain blood flow and cognitive functioning. Students may have the opportunity to work within the Human Performance Laboratory, which is directed by Dr. Kevin Heffernan.