Changes in cardiac and respiratory function of Antarctic Research Expedition members--preliminary report

Cardiac and respiratory functions were estimated in 16 Chinese Antarctic Research Expedition members (Third expedition) before and after spending three months in the Antarctic. No significant changes were found in ECG examination. In cardiac function test, prolonged LVET and abbreviated PEP were found. PEP/LVET decreased significantly. Respiratory ventilation function examination showed an increase in FEV1 and FEV25 and a decrease in ERC. Results showed that cardiac and respiratory functions remained almost unchanged in the Expedition members. It is also suggested that a physiological compensation may have occurred in these members' cardiac functions either in the Antarctic or during the return sea voyage.