Schlegel Research Chair, Vascular Aging and Brain Health
Research interests
My research focuses on how increased arterial stiffness affects brain blood flow and how older persons experience dizziness and increased risk of falling. I have studied astronauts to understand how and why arteries have “aging-like” changes (increased carotid artery stiffness) after 6-months in space. My research in the science of human health developed from my own participation in competitive distance running and the belief that physical activity contributes to long and healthy lives.
Richard Hughson is the Schlegel Research Chair in Vascular Aging and Brain Health and a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.
Teaching, expertise, tools and technologies
- Cardiovascular physiology
- Environmental physiology (spaceflight, altitude)
- Vascular aging
- Cardiopulmonary exercise testing
- Ultrasound
Courses
Kin 602: Graduate cardiorespiratory physiology
Education
BSc Physiology, University of Western Ontario
MSc Physology, University of British Columbia
PhD Medical Science, McMaster University
Selected publications
Hughson RL, Robertson AD, Arbeille P, Shoemaker JK, Rush JWE, Fraser KS, Greaves DK. (2016). Increased post-flight carotid artery stiffness and inflight insulin resistance resulting from six-months spaceflight in male and female astronauts. American Journal of Physiology: Heart and CirculatoryPhysiology. 310: H628-H638.
Fraser KS, Heckman GA, McKelvie RS, Harkness K, Middleton LA, Hughson RL.(2015). Cerebral hypoperfusion is exaggerated with an upright posture in heart failure. JACC Heart Failure. 3: 168-175.