BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS AND ABNORMALITIES IN CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER

Abstract

Average blood pressures in this group of 365 cirrhotics were not significantly different from expected blood pressures of healthy individuals of the same age. Cirrhotics with high or high-normal blood pressure levels were also found with a frequency expected in comparable healthy population. No correlation was observed between severity of disease and blood pressure and there was no tendency for blood pressure to be lower in patients whose disease was more severe. Fifty-three patients during a year or more failed to demonstrate any consistent changes in blood pressure correlated with clinical improvement or deterioration. Twenty one patients were subjected to Cold Pressor tests. Their reactions in terms of blood pressure elevation were not abnormal.[long dash]From auth. summ.