The measurement of blood pressure in winter season and its co-relation with blood pressure after cold exposure in summer season: a cross-sectional study in Gauhati medical college and hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India

Background: The aim of the study was to correlate the change in blood pressure in winter season to that in summer season after exposure to localized cold stimuli.Methods: Basal blood pressure in healthy males of 20-40 years was recorded during winter season by conventional method using sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. During summer, the same subjects were taken and their baseline blood pressure was recorded. Thereafter their feet were immersed in cold water at 12 degree centigrade and blood pressure was recorded at 5 minutes and 10 minutes interval. The systolic and diastolic BP during winter, summer (baseline), and after 5 minutes and 10 minutes of cold exposure was compared. P value <0.001 as obtained by using student t test (student graph pad) was taken as significantResults: It was observed that systolic and diastolic BP showed a significant increase (p<0.001) in response to the cold stimuli. The increase was comparable to the rise in BP during winter.Conclusions: Present study has revealed a higher systolic and diastolic BP in winter and in summer after cold stimuli than baseline summer BP; So we conclude that subjects with borderline hypertension who are more likely to develop higher BP in winter season are also likely to develop high BP after cold stimuli in summer season

Study of pulmonary function tests in response to localized cold stimuli in age group between 19-30 years of Guwahati city

Background: The aim of the study was to observe any variation in the pulmonary functions in response to localized cold stimuli in an externally controlled environment.Methods: The baseline pulmonary function parameters were obtained before the introduction of localized cold stimuli. Now the stimuli were introduced by immersing both feet up to ankle in a bucket full of cold water maintained at temperature between 8-10degree Celsius in 30 male healthy subjects (age group 19-30 years) and the parameters were noted after 2 minutes and 5 minutes respectively using a Medspiror (HELIOS) Electronic spirometer and keeping room temperature at 24ocelsius in the Department of Physiology, Gauhati Medical College, Guwahati, Assam, India. For statistical analysis, the value of the pulmonary function parameters were presented as Mean±standard deviation. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was employed for comparing the parameters and p<0.05 was considered as significant.Results: It was observed that the tidal volume and Inspiratory capacity showed a significant increase (p<0.05) whereas the Inspiratory reserve volume, expiratory reserve volume and forced vital capacity showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in response to the cold stimuli.Conclusions: A significant effect was obtained in the pulmonary function tests exposed to cold stimuli showing the multidimensional response of the respiratory mechanics to cold, making a base for further information into the cold climatic effect in an individual

Variation of blood pressure between two arms among the young people of Guwahati, Assam, India

Background: Aim and objective of the study was to determine whether a difference in systolic and diastolic blood pressure reading exists in between arms. To establish the mean and normal range of difference in simultaneous systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements between the right and left arm. It is unclear to what extent inter-arm blood pressure (BP) differences may be present in younger people so that they can take precaution in relation with age.Methods: 51 male and 51 female subjects were selected randomly in age group of 18 -20 yrs. A normal mercury sphygmomanometer was used employing Korotkoff I and V. 3 readings were taken sequentially for each arm using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer with the subject sitting after resting for 10 min.Results: Mean ± SD inter-arm differences in Systolic blood pressure were 4.784 ± 6.338 mmHg in males and 2.314 ± 5.159 mmHg in females while Diastolic blood pressure were 3.451 ± 5.471 mmHg in males and 1.059 ± 5.112 mmHg in females.Conclusions: The frequency of significant inter-arm systolic and diastolic blood pressure differences suggests that the blood pressure should be taken in both arms at the initial consultation. At subsequent visits, the arm in which measurements are taken should be recorded in the case notes. The higher of the two readings should be used to guide further management decisions. The accurate assessment of blood pressure (BP) is vital for the correct diagnosis and treatment of hypertension