Comparative Study of Cardiovascular Reactivity to Cold Pressor Test in Smokers vs Non-Smokers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66328/ijprmh.2026.020202Keywords:
Smoking, Cold Pressor Test, Cardiovascular Reactivity, Autonomic Nervous System, Sympathetic ActivityAbstract
Received: 05-06-2026
Revised: 10-06-2026
Accepted: 18-06-2026
Introduction:
Cigarette smoking is associated with autonomic dysregulation, endothelial dysfunction, and increased cardiovascular risk. The cold pressor test (CPT) is a validated method for assessing sympathetic cardiovascular reactivity. This study compared cardiovascular responses to CPT between smokers and non-smokers and evaluated post-stimulus recovery patterns.
Methods:
A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 apparently healthy male participants aged 18–35 years, including 30 smokers and 30 non-smokers. Baseline heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were recorded. Participants underwent CPT by immersing the non-dominant hand in ice water (4–6°C) for one minute. Peak cardiovascular responses and recovery parameters at 1 and 3 minutes post-test were assessed. Data were analyzed using Student’s t-test and Pearson correlation analysis.
Results:
Baseline demographic and cardiovascular characteristics were comparable between groups. Following CPT, smokers demonstrated significantly greater cardiovascular reactivity than non-smokers, with higher increases in HR (13.9±4.5 vs. 8.8±3.6 beats/min), SBP (21.3±5.8 vs. 15.4±4.9 mmHg), and DBP (14.6±4.7 vs. 9.8±3.9 mmHg) (all p<0.001). Smokers also exhibited significantly higher HR and blood pressure values during the recovery phase, indicating delayed autonomic recovery. Smoking duration showed a positive correlation with SBP reactivity (r=0.42, p=0.021) and HR response (r=0.37, p=0.039).
Conclusion:
Smokers exhibit exaggerated cardiovascular responses and delayed recovery following cold pressor stimulation, suggesting enhanced sympathetic activity and impaired autonomic regulation. These findings indicate early subclinical cardiovascular dysfunction in apparently healthy smokers and underscore the importance of smoking cessation for cardiovascular risk reduction.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Grishma Shrestha, Mrinal Sharma, Megha Kapoor, Adi Abbass (Author)
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