Relationship between pulse pressure, arteriosclerosis, and a visual reversal phenomenon.

Varying numbers of Ss were studied on a task producing a perceived reversal in the direction of rotating objects. Ss were required to indicate when reversal in the direction of rotation of the percept occurred for the first time. Low initial reversal time coincided with high pulse pressure which is an indicator or arteriosclerotic processes. The relationship of initial reversal time and pulse pressure existed for all Ss with histories of cerebro-vascular accident, amputees secondary to diabetes mellitus, and many control Ss (a nonpatient group of higher socio-economic and intellectual levels) who had a poor health history regarding high blood pressure and/or diabetes mellitus. In contrast, control Ss with no cardio-vascular or diabetic problems had high initial reversal times or no reversal at all. Initial reversal time was stable over a short as well as longer periods of time. Initial reversal time may be useful as an adjunct in the prognosis of arteriosclerotic pathology.