Publication: Relationship between Resting Systemic Arterial Blood Pressure and Pain Sensitivity Parameters in Young Healthy Indian Medical Students
Date
2019
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Pain interests clinicians and researchers alike. Several animal and human studies
have attempted to establish and explain the relationship between blood pressure
and nociception. Many studies have reported sex differences in pain perception in
humans. However, there is no consistent evidence that authoritatively explains the
relationship between resting systemic arterial blood pressure and pain sensitivity
parameters in human subjects.
Objective
To investigate the relationship between resting systemic arterial blood pressure
and pain sensitivity parameters. Secondary objectives were to investigate blood
pressure response to cold pain and sex differences in response to cold pain and pain
perception.
Method
Out of a total of 331 volunteers, 200 students (100 males and 100 females) were
selected for study as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Cold Pressor Test was
used to apply experimental pain. To study response, cardiovascular parameters
(systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure) and pain sensitivity parameters
(pain threshold, pain tolerance and pain rating) were measured.
Result
Rise in resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure following Cold Pressor Test was
similar between both the sexes (p > 0.05). Pain rating was found to be significantly
higher in females whereas pain threshold and pain tolerance were significantly
higher in males (p < 0.05). Resting blood pressure showed a positive relationship with
pain threshold and pain tolerance whereas a negative relationship with pain rating.
Conclusion
Resting systemic arterial blood pressure and pain sensitivity are inversely correlated.
Females are more sensitive to pain than males.
KEY WORDS
Blood pressure, Pain, Pain threshold, Sex
Description
Mendpara SJ,1 Akhani PN,2 Palan BM,2 Harsoda JM2
1Department of Physiology,
Shantaba Medical College and General Hospital,
Amreli-365601, Gujarat, India.
2Department of Physiology,
Government Medical College,
Khandwa-450001, MP, India
Keywords
Blood pressure, Pain, Pain threshold, Sex