Increased vasodilator response during stimulation of cardiopulmonary baroreceptors in borderline hypertensives

1. The effects of passive leg elevation on the forearm circulation were compared in 14 borderline hypertensive and 16 normotensive men. 2. In the supine position, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and forearm blood flow (FBF) were significantly greater in borderline hypertensives. 3. With leg raising, MAP and HR did not change significantly from basal values. FBF increased by +0.6 +/- 0.2 (s.e.m.) mL/min/100 mL (P less than 0.02) in normotensives and by + 1.3 +/- 0.2 mL/min/100 mL (P less than 0.001) in hypertensives (P for difference between groups less than 0.05).