Effect of acute climatic changes on blood pressure, blood vessel function and blood clotting in Type II Diabetes ($12, 355) – Dr Andrew Williams
Cardiac events including heart attack and strokes are increased during summer and winter (i.e. acute exposure to high or low temperatures). Changes in environmental temperature are associated with changes in blood flow, blood pressure (BP) and blood clotting which may explain the increased risk of cardiac events in temperature extremes. It is unknown if populations at greater risk of cardiovascular disease experience adverse responses in blood flow, BP and blood clotting in response to acute high or low temperature exposure, when compared to healthy populations.
Individuals suffering from Type-II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at an increased risk of high blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular disease. A common consequence of T2DM is impaired nervous system function which may affect a patient’s ability to regulate BP in response to acute changes in environmental temperature. To date, no information is available on the effect of acute changes in air temperature and humidity on measures of cardiovascular function and blood clotting in T2DM. This research will investigate the effect of acute changes in environmental conditions on central BP and blood clotting factors, and their association with nerous system function in 20 T2DM patients and 20 healthy individuals.
This research will provide insight into how extreame climatic conditions influence cardiovascular function in vulnerable populations (i.e. patients with type 2 diabetes). The study will also shed light on the role of changes in nervous system function in control of BP in T2DM. This work has the potential to inform the recommendation of lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk of cardiac events taking place.
Tasmania's Clifford Craig Medical Research Trust was established in 1991.