Philip J. Millar

Dr. Philip J. Millar is an Associate Professor at the University of Guelph. He holds a B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. from McMaster University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. His research focuses on the integrative regulation of the autonomic nervous system, particularly the sympathetic nervous system's role in cardiovascular health and disease. Key areas include blood pressure regulation, autonomic dysfunction in hypertension and heart failure, and the effects of exercise and pharmacological interventions (e.g., statins) on cardiovascular control. Dr. Millar employs advanced techniques like microneurography to directly measure muscle sympathetic nerve activity. His work has implications for clinical management of cardiovascular disorders and understanding neural-cardiovascular interactions.

Research interests emphasize reflex control of sympathetic outflow, mechanisms underlying autonomic dysregulation in disease, and translational applications of exercise physiology. Recent studies explore sex differences in metaboreflex activation, GABAergic modulation of cardiovascular responses, and the impact of former smoking on heart failure pathophysiology. His lab (Millar Lab) integrates invasive and non-invasive methods to study systemic and regional hemodynamics.

Publications highlight contributions to understanding sympathetic transduction, blood pressure variability, and novel therapeutic targets in hypertension and heart failure. While no explicit awards are listed, his work reflects sustained contributions to cardiovascular physiology. Advising includes current graduate students and a postdoctoral fellow. The Millar Lab collaborates broadly, with projects extending to respiratory physiology and wearable technology applications.