Anxiety as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease: Brain, blood and behavioural markers

Overview

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in both Aotearoa and beyond. Anxiety symptoms appear in both the mind and body, and prolonged activation of our fight-or-flight response can put excessive stress on our automatic functions (such as our heart and breathing patterns). As a result, anxiety is associated with a 26% increased risk of developing heart disease and a 50% increased risk of sudden cardiac death.

A large project in our lab is focused around identifying brain and body indicators of health in those with anxiety, as well as assess how these respond to non-invasive treatment options such as breathing techniques that are intertwined with Kaupapa Māori exercises such as porotiti (spinning disks). These techniques will draw on both traditional science and Māori knowledge, demonstrating the utility of breathing to manage both heart and mental health simultaneously via accessible and low-cost strategies that can help all New Zealanders.

We will collect a range of data that includes physiological and psychological variables at rest and in response to different types of stressors, blood markers of inflammation and metabolic status, exercise tests, MRI scans of the brain, echocardiograms and more, and from this we can tailor projects to suit different postgraduate levels (e.g. Honours, MSc, PhD) and different interests. Please get in touch if you are interested!

Note: While project funding is provided, this opportunity does not cover postgraduate scholarship funding. If prospective students are interested in applying for a central University of Otago PhD scholarship, an A+ (preferable) or A equivalent GPA is required, with evidence of research publications preferred – please contact the Graduate Research School at Otago for grade conversions. These scholarships are highly competitive and not guaranteed.

Useful information

• Graduate research at the University of Otago
• Scholarships at the University of Otago