Abstract This paper analyzes an experiment of physiological reactivity in relation to different temperatures of the cold pressor. Three groups of subjects are compared using 15 people in each group. Each group experienced a different temperature of the cold pressor, specifically 0, 10 or 20 degrees Celsius. Physiological measurements taken were systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart period and pre-ejection period. The data was analyzed and compared between groups to determine differences in nervous system reactivity. The results showed a clearer understanding of cardiovascular reactivity in relation to the use of the cold pressor.
From the Paper "Cold pressor techniques are used in psychophysiological research to induce pain and stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. The cold pressor as an experimental tool can be applied to the subject's forehead or the subject's foot or arm can be immersed in ice water, with each variation resulting in differing degrees of physiological response (Durel, et. al., 1993). The limb applications are considered the most reliable because the facial application may involve the dive reflex (Durel, et. al., 1993). For the purpose of this study, the arm immersion will be used."
Abstract This paper discusses the widespread cardiovascular condition, hypertension. The paper describes the disease and presents the statistics of the prevalence of hypertension. The symptoms and treatments available are examined in the paper. The paper explores the correlation between high blood pressure and low socioeconomic status, as well as the connection to other diseases, such as diabetes.
From the Paper "The client with hypertension should be assessed in terms of their history and lifestyle. It must be determined whether this is a new or pre-existing condition for the patient before healthcare professionals can move forward. Assessment is basically done through blood pressure measurement, at which point as mentioned above, if the patient has a higher systolic number than their diastolic number, they have hypertension. "Proper blood pressure measurements are essential for hypertension detection. Repeated blood pressure measurements are needed to determine whether any initial elevations persist and hence require prompt attention, or whether they have returned to normal levels and need only periodic monitoring" (Gatchel and Oordt, 2004). These measurements are fairly easy to take."
Abstract This paper briefly looks at the definition ,symptoms, causes and treatment of hypertension. It also discusses how hypertension accounts for the most common problem for which patients visit physicians.
From the Paper "Nutritional management of hypertension has moved beyond simply restricting sodium intake and now includes the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) (Gay). This includes a diet high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish, poultry, and low-fat dairy products (Gay). This new and effective whole-food approach diet results in a diet that is high in calcium, potassium and magnesium (Gay). Christopher Gay reports in the September 2003 issue of American Family Physician that "among patients on the DASH diet at the lowest sodium intake levels, the mean decrease in systolic blood pressure was 8.9mm Hg, when compared with the high-sodium phase of the diet" (Gay). While the DASH diet is not a weight-loss plan, it can be easily adapted for patients who need to reduce calories (Gay)."
