The effects of normal and rapid speech on blood pressure

The effects of two rates of speech on blood pressure and heart rate were measured in 30 normotensive individuals. Verbalization was linked to rapid and significant rises in blood pressure. Faster rates of speaking were associated with greater increases in blood pressure. These findings are discussed in light of earlier research on the blood pressure communication response and are evaluated in the context of the speech pattern characteristics of the Type A (coronary-prone) individual. Clinical applications of this research for hypertensive and Type A individuals are discussed.