Abstract
Reduced sympathetic outflow and deficits in cerebral hemodynamics have been considered as possible factors mediating the impaired
cognitive performance in essential hypotension. However, the relationship between systemic blood pressure (BP), cerebral blood
flow and cognitive functioning is still poorly understood. The present study was aimed at clarifying the physiological processes
underlying cerebral and systemic hemodynamics in young hypotensives during cognitive engagement. Doppler sonography blood
flow velocities in both middle cerebral arteries were measured from 17 hypotensives and 15 normotensives during a working
memory task. Impedance cardiographic and BP measures were also recorded continuously. Lower increases in systolic and diastolic
BP were observed in hypotensives. However, no evidence of lower sympathetic control was found for this group, as assessed
by pre-ejection period. Flow velocity in middle cerebral arteries showed a lower increase in hypotensives throughout the task.
Moreover, significant positive correlations between BP changes and blood flow velocities in middle cerebral arteries during
the task were obtained for this group only, suggesting a less effective cerebral autoregulation. No difference was found between
groups in task performance. Results suggest that during cognitive challenge hypotensives show impaired hemodynamic adjustments,
both central and peripheral. However, such alterations do not directly affect cognitive performance, at least under moderate
cognitive load.
cognitive performance in essential hypotension. However, the relationship between systemic blood pressure (BP), cerebral blood
flow and cognitive functioning is still poorly understood. The present study was aimed at clarifying the physiological processes
underlying cerebral and systemic hemodynamics in young hypotensives during cognitive engagement. Doppler sonography blood
flow velocities in both middle cerebral arteries were measured from 17 hypotensives and 15 normotensives during a working
memory task. Impedance cardiographic and BP measures were also recorded continuously. Lower increases in systolic and diastolic
BP were observed in hypotensives. However, no evidence of lower sympathetic control was found for this group, as assessed
by pre-ejection period. Flow velocity in middle cerebral arteries showed a lower increase in hypotensives throughout the task.
Moreover, significant positive correlations between BP changes and blood flow velocities in middle cerebral arteries during
the task were obtained for this group only, suggesting a less effective cerebral autoregulation. No difference was found between
groups in task performance. Results suggest that during cognitive challenge hypotensives show impaired hemodynamic adjustments,
both central and peripheral. However, such alterations do not directly affect cognitive performance, at least under moderate
cognitive load.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10865-012-9410-8
- Authors
- Michela Sarlo, Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Massimiliano de Zambotti, Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Germano Gallicchio, Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Andrea Devigili, Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Luciano Stegagno, Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Journal Journal of Behavioral Medicine
- Online ISSN 1573-3521
- Print ISSN 0160-7715