Cold pressor test
Template:Search infobox Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
The cold pressor test is a cardiovascular test performed by immersing the hand into an ice-water container, usually for one minute, and measuring changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Its response is clinically indicative concerning vascular response and pulse excitability.
Physiology
Physiology
Sensory afferents trigger a systemic sympathetic activation leading to marked vasodilation. The result is an elevated pulse pressure(normal is 70mm Hg), due to catecholamine release. This increased pressure fills the ventricle to a greater extent, but stroke volume decreases for by an increase in afterload.
References
References
A. B. Lafleche et al. Arterial response during cold pressor test in borderline hypertension. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 275: H409-H415, 1998;
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