Dr Mohammed Meah

I studied BSc (Hons) in Physiology at Bedford College (University of London), then an MSc in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Surrey and then completed a PhD in Physiology (Control of Breathing) in the Department of Thoracic Medicine at Kings College Hospital.

I joined the University of East London (formerly known as the Polytechnic of East London) in September 1990 and have taught Physiology (mainly the cardiovascular and respiratory systems) for the last 25 years from level 3 (foundation) students to level 7 (masters students) on a wide variety of programmes.

My PhD research investigated the mechanisms underlying the breathing patterns in patients with hyperventilation syndrome, laryngectomies and Parkinson's disease during rest, exercise and sleep. 

My current area of interest is investigating the effect of mental and physiological stress on the variability in heart beats, blood pressure and breathing in humans. The mechanisms by which the cardiovascular, respiratory and hypothalamus respond to acute and prolonged stress is unclear. The role of the autonomic nervous system in these mechanisms is unclear. This research may lead to more insight into i) the causes of arrhythmias, hypertension and anxiety/hyperventilation disorders and ii) interventions to reduce stress.