Effect of examination stress on the alteration of blood pressure in young normotensives.
BACKGROUND
It is known that stress alters mental status and biological processes. Acute mental stress due to stressful interviews increases blood pressure.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of chronic stress due to preparation of examination on cardiovascular function.


METHODS
The blood pressure of young normotensive medical students (n=55) was measured using a mercury sphygmomanometer during a casual (less stressful) period and during the period of preparation for final examinations. Data were analysed by Student's t-test.


RESULTS
In the period of preparation for final examinations a significant rise in diastolic and mean blood pressure took place in both sexes (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The aforesaid result may be due to the vestibulo-sympathetic reflex elicited by head down and neck flexed posture (the conventional position of study) for a prolonged time.
Pramanik
Tapas
T
Department of Clinical Physiology, Nepal Medical College & Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. pramanik_t@yahoo.com
Ghosh
Arijit
A
Chapagain
Ghanashyam
G
D001007:Anxiety / Q000503:physiopathology; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology*; D055815:Young Adult