Abstract
THE RELATION of emotion to elevation of arterial pressure has been discussed in the medical literature since essential hypertension was first recognized. Although ample evidence exists that an emotional upset may cause temporary elevation of arterial pressure, there are differences of opinion concerning its importance as the cause of essential hypertension. Among the findings in patients with essential hypertension, as well as in some of their normotensive siblings, is an excessive rise in arterial pressure when carbon dioxide accumulates in the blood during voluntary suspension of breathing. 1 It was therefore considered desirable to study the effect of breath holding on arterial pressure in patients with emotional disturbances. The study also afforded information concerning the reactivity of the vasomotor system in the psychoses studied. MATERIAL AND METHODS Seventy-nine patients, of whom 51 were women, were studied by the method of Ayman and Goldshine. 1 The patients were at rest during
Published Version
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