title: Effect of examination stress on the alteration of blood pressure in young normotensives.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Physiology, Nepal Medical College & Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. pramanik_t@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Tapas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pramanik
authors.forename: Arijit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ghosh
authors.forename: Ghanashyam
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Chapagain
mesh_terms: 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