Autonomic Nervous System Function - Hypertension

Perceived Stress and Patterns of Autonomic Function: a Protocol Development Study

The Life University Center for Chiropractic Research is conducting a research study to better understand the physiological differences, in terms of Autonomic nervous system function, between individuals with Hypertension and control individuals with out hypertension. Data will be gathered using Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR). A series of tests will be conducted to elicit Autonomic Nervous system responses. These tests include Cold Face Test (mammalian dive reflex), Cold Pressor test, Sit to stand, and the Valsalva maneuver.

The objective of the study is to ascertain the level of autonomic health in persons with hypertension versus a healthy population. Further, via the implemented protocol, the study will attempt to develop a sequence of autonomic nervous system tests to be used in future studies and clinical settings

Participants will be included in the hypertension group if they present with the following:

• Hypertension, defined as:
• Self-reported or previously diagnosed with elevated resting state blood pressure (120-129 systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic) or stage 1 hypertension with a blood pressure of Systolic between 130- and 139-mm Hg with a diastolic of 80-89 mmHg.
• Or medically diagnosed and managed stage 2 hypertension with blood pressure of Systolic between 140- and 159-mm Hg or diastolic 90 and 99 mm
• between the ages of 18-65
• Able to wear a monitor on their right wrist.
• Able to wear a pulse oximeter on their left hand.

Participants will be included in the healthy group if they present with the following:

• between the ages of 18-65
• Able to wear a monitor on their right wrist.
• Able to wear a pulse oximeter on their left hand.