The cold pressor test: a cardiovascular test performed by immersing the hand into an ice water container, usually for one minute, and measuring changes in blood pressure and heart rate.
The blood pressure and heart rate changes relate to vascular response and pulse excitability.
CPT can determine pain threshold and pain tolerance.
CPT provides a measure of threshold, the first feeling pain and tolerance, the total time minus threshold.
This method is the most frequently used application of the cold pressor task, and can be accomplished with a hot water immersion test.
Sensory afferent nerves trigger a systemic sympathetic activation leading to marked vasoconstriction.
Vasoconstriction results is an elevated pulse pressure due to catecholamine release.