Association of Resting Blood Pressure Levels with Pain Sensitivity Parameters among Medical Students

Abstract

Introduction 
Pain perception varies among individuals and is influenced by multiple physiological factors, including blood pressure. The present study aimed to assess the association of resting blood pressure with pain sensitivity parameters among medical students of a medical college.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study done in first and second year medical students aged 17-25 years. Pain sensitivity was assessed by the Cold Pressor Test. Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to determine the association between blood pressure and pain sensitivity parameters. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics, with a significance level set at p<0.05.
Results
Resting systolic blood pressure increased significantly in both sexes (Males:123.13±5.40 to 126.93±3.97; Females:113.35±8.26 to 119.76±5.67) following cold pressor test, while diastolic BP rose significantly only in females. Males had significantly higher pain threshold (23.32±3.00 vs 20.06 ± 4.15) and pain tolerance (92.18±14.06 vs 65.46±12.81) compared to females, while females reported significantly higher pain ratings (6.57±1.64 vs 5.32±1.08) on the visual analog scale (p<0.05). A significant positive correlation was observed between resting blood pressure and both pain threshold and pain tolerance in both males and females. In contrast, pain rating showed a significant negative correlation with both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in males (r = –0.247 and –0.343, p = 0.020 and 0.001, respectively) and females (r = –0.320 and –0.504, p = 0.004 and <0.001, respectively).
Conclusion
This study shows an inverse relationship between resting blood pressure and pain sensitivity, with stronger associations observed in females. The study also highlights sex-based differences in both pain perception and physiological response to cold-induced stress.