Gender Differences in Response to Cold Pressor Test in the Age Group of 18-30 Years

Authors

  • Hasana Fatima1 , R. Anitha2 , Mudassir Mirza3

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/ijop.v8i3.1327

Keywords:

Cold Pressor test, sympathetic nervous system, males, females.

Abstract

Introduction: The Cold Pressor Test (CPT) was first introduced by Hines and Brown in 1932. It was

designed to measure the reactivity of the blood vessels to a standard stimulus2 . Cold Pressor Test is an

established challenge test of sympathetic vascular regulation. Sympathetic nervous system activity varies in

males and females.

Aim: To study the response of Cold Pressor Test on blood pressure in normal healthy young adult males

and females.

Materials and Method: After Institutional ethics committee approval, a total of 104 subjects in the age

group of 18-30 years were recruited with informed consent for the study, after considering inclusion and

exclusion criteria. Subjects were explained about the test procedure. Basal blood pressure (pre-test BP)

was recorded after 20 min. of rest. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured in mmHg (pre-test).

Subject was asked to dip left hand till the wrist in cold water (40-80 C) for 1 min. (minute).Blood pressure

was recorded from right arm during the test, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes and 4 minutes after the test.

Result: Basal BP was significantly higher in males than in females. Systolic BP(SBP) response, Diastolic

BP response (DBP) to CPT were statistically higher in males compared to females.

Conclusions: The gender variations are seen due to differences in the sympathetic nervous system activity

and due to the effect of sex hormones. Males are more prone to develop hypertension and other cardiovascular

disorders when compared to females due to higher sympathetic activity.

Author Biography

  • Hasana Fatima1 , R. Anitha2 , Mudassir Mirza3

    1 Postgraduate Student, 2Professor, 3Assistant Professor, Upgraded Department of Physiology,

    Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana State

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Published

2020-07-22

How to Cite

Gender Differences in Response to Cold Pressor Test in the Age Group of 18-30 Years. (2020). International Journal of Physiology, 8(3), 41-46. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijop.v8i3.1327