Published in:
01-04-2021 | Hypertension | Editorial
The expanding role of the cold pressor test: a brief history
Authors:
Guillaume Lamotte, Christopher J. Boes, Phillip A. Low, Elizabeth A. Coon
Published in:
Clinical Autonomic Research
|
Issue 2/2021
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Excerpt
The cold pressor test is a simple and validated test in which the subject immerses one hand or foot into ice water for 1–3 min while blood pressure (BP) and heart rate are monitored [
15]. The cold stimulus activates afferent sensory pathways that, in turn, trigger a sympathetic response resulting in an increase in BP. The cold pressor test has been used in the clinical and research settings to evaluate non-baroreflex-mediated sympathetic neural control in humans [
15]. If afferent or efferent neuronal circuits and pathways are damaged, the sympathetic vasomotor response is impaired and, therefore, the BP and heart rate responses to cold pressor test can vary significantly. …