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Effect of thermal stress on cardiac function.
Thad E Wilson1, Craig G Crandall
1Institute for Neuromusculoskeletal Research, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA. thad.wilson@oucom.ohlou.edu
Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews
|November 20, 2010
Summary
Whole-body heating and cooling affect cardiovascular responses. Temperature changes influence cardiac function, potentially explaining syncope during heat stress and better tolerance during cold stress.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Thermoregulation
Background:
- Whole-body heating and cooling induce significant physiological changes.
- Understanding these thermoregulatory cardiovascular effects is crucial for explaining stress-related syncope and orthostatic tolerance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of whole-body heating and cooling on cardiovascular parameters.
- To elucidate the mechanistic links between cardiac function, thermoregulation, and syncope/orthostatic tolerance.
Main Methods:
- The study involved applying whole-body heating and cooling protocols.
- Cardiovascular parameters including pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and cerebral vascular conductance were monitored.
Main Results:
- Whole-body heating decreased pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and cerebral vascular conductance, inducing an inotropic shift in the Frank-Starling curve.
- Whole-body cooling increased pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and cerebral vascular conductance, without altering systolic function.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac function is mechanistically involved in syncope during heat stress.
- Thermoregulatory effects on cardiac function contribute to improved orthostatic tolerance during cold stress.
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