Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

An Alternative to the Traditional Cold Pressor Test: The Cold Pressor Arm Wrap
Published on: January 16, 2014
Effects of experimental emotional stress and physical exercise on the circulation in hypertensive patients and
Abstract:
Heart rate, intra-aortal blood pressure, cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance were registered in 11 hypertensive and 11 normotensive subjects during exercise (up to 80 W on a bicycle ergometer), a semi-standardized interview concerning personal life situations, exposure to slides showing parents and marriage partners of the subjects, and during pressure on a hand ergometer. The blood pressure in all subjects increased during all these experimental conditions. During exercise this was associated with increases in heart rate and cardiac output and a decrease in peripheral resistance (hyperkinetic reaction). During the interview the heart rate and cardiac output also increased but to a lesser degree and in 15 of the 22 cases the peripheral resistance rose (predominantly hypertonic reaction). During the slide viewing the effects were similar to those of the interview but less marked. During the hand ergometer test the subjects showed a combination of the hyperkinetic and hypertonic response. Although there was a difference in their basal blood pressure and total peripheral resistance, these haemodynamic reaction patterns showed no difference between the hypertensive and normotensive subjects. These results support the hypothesis that essential hypertension is a quantitative 'exaggeration' of the same physiological processes which regulate the blood pressure in different situations in normotensive individual.
Related Concept Videos
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the risk...

