The Impact of the Cold Pressor Test on Inter-arm Differences in Blood Pressure.

A large inter-arm difference (IAD+; ≥10mmHg between arms at rest) in blood pressure (BP) at rest is linked to cardiovascular risk, and exercise can change this difference. As mechanisms for IAD are elusive, unique physiological stimuli may provide insight towards a better understanding of this phenomenon. The cold pressor test (CPT) has a potent effect on BP and acts primarily through sympathetic nervous system (SNS) stimulation, though the effects of SNS stimulation on IAD are unknown.