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Evaluation of postural hypotensive subjects by handgrip test
1Department of Physiology, Nepal Medical College, Jorpati, Kathmandu, Nepal. drpramanik@hotmail.com
Nepal Medical College Journal : NMCJ
|June 30, 2009
Summary
Women exhibit lower vasoconstrictor reserve than men, contributing to postural hypotension. Females with occasional postural hypotension have significantly less vasoconstrictor reserve compared to healthy females.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Autonomic Nervous System Function
Background:
- Postural syncope is linked to impaired postural reflexes.
- Vasoconstrictor reserve is crucial for maintaining orthostatic tolerance.
- Females often demonstrate reduced autonomic blood pressure support and higher rates of neurally mediated syncope.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare vasoconstrictor reserve between males and females without postural hypotension.
- To evaluate vasoconstrictor reserve in females with occasional postural hypotension versus healthy females.
Main Methods:
- Isometric handgrip test at one-third maximum contraction for one minute.
- Vasoconstrictor reserve quantified as the increase in diastolic blood pressure during handgrip.
- Comparison of vasoconstrictor reserve across male, healthy female, and symptomatic female groups.
Main Results:
- Females generally displayed lower vasoconstrictor reserve compared to males.
- Female participants experiencing postural hypotension had significantly lower vasoconstrictor reserve than healthy female volunteers.
- Reduced vasoconstrictor reserve was identified as a potential cause of postural hypotension in the studied women.
Conclusions:
- Vasoconstrictor reserve is diminished in females compared to males.
- Lower vasoconstrictor reserve is a contributing factor to postural hypotension in susceptible women.
- This finding highlights potential sex-based differences in autonomic cardiovascular regulation.
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