[The cardiovascular system function of schoolchildren in the European North]

Age-specific dynamics of main parameters of circulation and gas exchange was examined in 7-16-year-old schoolchildren residing in the European North. The northern children show rarer and deeper breath and elevated blood pressures, diastolic pressures in particular, than those of the same age who live in the nonchernozem region. The northern boys were found to have higher sensitivity and responsiveness of the cardiorespiratory system to the northern conditions than the northern girls. The revealed cardiorespiratory parameters allowed the authors to predict negative changes in the schoolchildren's health and they may be used to develop regional physical education and health care programmes for 7-16-year-old pupils.