Blood pressure changes while talking

Using a noninvasive automatic device to rapidly and repeatedly measure blood pressure, a striking relationship was found between talking and an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. This finding was demonstrated in a variety of experimental settings (the laboratory, medical clinic, classroom and home) in both children and adults and in both normotensive and hypertensive individuals. A significant positive correlation was also observed between the level of resting pressure and the magnitude of increase in pressure while talking. These findings point toward an important link between human communication and blood pressure control that has previously been overlooked. They also suggest a new conceptual approach to the understanding and treatment of hypertension.