VENOUS PRESSURE RESPONSES TO EXERCISE

Abstract

A comparison of the Eyster, Hooker, and White methods of determining venous pressure shows that each gives the same account of the changes that result from physical exertion. The venous pressure rises and then remains up during work on the bicycle ergometer. In some individuals the pressure begins to rise almost at once, reaches a maximum within 2 to 4 mins., and then maintains a fairly steady state. In others after some delay a slow rise begins, reaches a maximum within 10 to 12 mins., and then remains fairly constant until work is terminated. When the load of work is too heavy the venous pressure rises steadily until fatigue ensues. There is a rough linear relationship between venous pressure and load. This may be obscured by the deep breathing of exertion, since during expiration the venous pressure may be as much as 2 cm. H2O higher than during inspiration. After physical exertion the venous pressure ordinarily slowly returns to normal. This may be accomplished within a few mins., but after heavy work often requires as much as 22 to 27 mins.