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.
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.