Effect of mental stress on the tone of a medium-sized muscular artery

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Abstract
Aim We studied the effects of mental stress on the tone of the radial artery, a medium-sized muscular artery. Methods Using an A-mode echo-tracking device coupled to a photoplethysmograph, we took continuous measurements of the radial artery diameter, heart rate and finger arterial pressure in six healthy young volunteers. Results Under mental stress, the heart rate increased from 63 ±4 to 74 ±4 beats/min (means±SEM, P<0.01) and systolic pressure from 123±5 to 140±mmHg (P<0.05). No consistent modification in the arterial diameter was observed at this time. Conclusion The activation of sympathetic nerve activity induced by mental stress does not cause a significant contraction in the radial artery.

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