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Reproducibility of the cold pressor test: studies in normal subjects
M L Fasano1, T Sand, A O Brubakk
1Department of Neurology, Trondheim University Hospitals, Norway.
Summary
The cold pressor test shows low reliability for blood pressure and heart rate measurements in healthy individuals. Repeated measurements and larger sample sizes are recommended for accurate comparative studies.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- The cold pressor test (CPT) is commonly used to assess autonomic cardiovascular responses.
- Understanding the reproducibility of CPT is crucial for its reliable application in research and clinical settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the test-retest reliability of the cold pressor test in healthy subjects.
- To assess the variability of blood pressure and heart rate responses to CPT.
Main Methods:
- A non-invasive method was used to measure beat-to-beat arterial blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR).
- Two groups of healthy volunteers underwent repeated CPT sessions: Group 1 (n=11) had three tests on the same day; Group 2 (n=6) had tests on three consecutive days.
- Test response was calculated as the difference between the 46-60s mean and the 15s baseline mean.
Main Results:
- Systolic BP response showed fair reliability (ICC R=0.57).
- High intraindividual variability was observed for HR and diastolic BP.
- Test-retest differences were substantial, with even greater variability when tests were repeated on different days.
Conclusions:
- The assumption of a constant individual response pattern to CPT may be inaccurate.
- Relying on a single CPT measurement is not advisable.
- Replicated measurements and large sample sizes are recommended to mitigate low to moderate CPT reliability in comparative studies.