Key result
Cold Pressor Test linked to ~34 mmHg increase in SBP among healthy young adults.
Why the study?
The study was conducted to evaluate cardiovascular responses to the cold pressor test in apparently healthy young adults, focusing on heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial workload.
Does the Cold Pressor Test induce significant hemodynamic and myocardial workload changes in healthy young adults?
Observational (n=24)
Does the Cold Pressor Test induce significant hemodynamic and myocardial workload changes in healthy young adults?
Absolute Event Rate: 154.5% vs 120.4%
p-value: p=<0.001
The Cold Pressor Test induces marked sympathetic cardiovascular activation and increased myocardial workload, validating its use as a non-invasive tool for assessing autonomic cardiovascular function.
CPT responses in healthy young adults yield normative data; leaves open utility for risk stratification in clinical populations.
Background:The Cold Pressor Test (CPT) is a validated experimental model used to assess autonomic cardiovascular reactivity. It induces acute sympathetic stimulation resulting in measurable hemodynamic changes. Objective:To evaluate cardiovascular responses to CPT in apparently healthy young adults, focusing on heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial workload. Methods:A total of 24 healthy participants (18–40 years) underwent standardized CPT (0–4°C hand immersion). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were measured at baseline, during cold exposure, and recovery. Double product (DP = HR × SBP) was calculated. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with significance set at p < 0.05. Results:CPT induced a significant increase in SBP (120.4 ± 10.8 to 154.5 ± 14.4 mmHg), DBP (79.3 ± 4.8 to 99.2 ± 9.8 mmHg), HR (77.0 ± 7.5 to 92.1 ± 8.6 bpm), and DP (9083 ± 1271 to 14331 ± 2095 units) (p < 0.001). Partial recovery occurred post-stimulus, although values remained above baseline. Conclusion:Cold pressor stress induces marked sympathetic cardiovascular activation and increased myocardial workload. CPT is a useful non-invasive tool for assessing autonomic cardiovascular function in humans.
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Aliyu et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Healthy (n=24). Cold Pressor Test (0-4°C hand immersion) vs. Baseline was evaluated on Systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p=<0.001). The Cold Pressor Test significantly increased systolic blood pressure (120.4 to 154.5 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and double product in healthy young adults (p<0.001).
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