Unique Mechanisms of Bilateral Blood Pressure Control

The presence of a large inter-arm difference (IAD) in blood pressure (BP) at rest is an established indicator of cardiovascular risk. Acute aerobic exercise and acute isometric exercise, conditions that induce complex and multi-faceted mechanisms, alter the IAD in BP, indicating a potential for therapeutic intervention. Recently, our lab has examined the effect of two distinct stimuli that provide a narrower view into bilateral BP control. Specifically, the trigger or recruitment of nociceptors (i.e., pain receptors) through a cold pressor test (CPT), and mechanical and metabolic receptors through a combination of active (ALM; targeting mechanical and metabolic receptors) and passive limb movement (PLM; specifically targeting metabolic receptors) may provide insight into bilateral BP control. CPT: Briefly, while participants had one hand immersed in 3° Celsius water for three minutes, bilateral BP and hemodynamic measurements were taken at: 0:30, 2:00, immediately post, and two-, four-, and six-minutes post CPT. PLM: Similarly, bilateral BP and hemodynamic measurements were conducted pre- and immediately post three-minute sets of active (i.e., unweighted) and passive (i.e., unweighted, arm moved by investigator) bicep curls, separated by five-minute rest periods. Four total limb movement sets were randomized by both arm and condition, and controlled by a metronome. An overall difference in the CPT response was noted between IAD (i.e., IAD 10mmHg at rest; Punique and robust influence on bilateral BP and IAD. Future work examining unique modulators of IAD may ultimately provide a growing insight into this complex physiological phenomenon.