Venous Blood Pressure Measurements during Exercise by the Strain Gauge and Pressure Amplifier Method

Abstract

Venous blood pressure measurements were made by direct cannulation of the median antecubital vein. Measurements were taken at rest, during a 5-minute exercise on the bicycle ergometer, and during a 15-minute recovery period. The range of resting pressure was from 73 to 169 mm. water, with a mean pressure of 120 mm. water. The pressure during exercise increased in every case and was maintained throughout the exercise. The average increase was 118 mm. water, representing an increase of 95 percent. Venous pressure during recovery showed a very rapid drop during the first three minutes and then exhibited a progressively slower decline until a constant level was reached.