Heart rate in humans during underwater swimming with and without breath-hold

Heart rate was monitored, by way of radiotelemetry, from 6 male subjects of mean age (+/- SE) 24 +/- 1 years and of mean mass 73.5 +/- 2.5 kg. Measurements were made in a 25 m pool at a water temperature of 28 degrees C. Resting heart rate was 67 +/- 3.7 beats X min-1 and when the subjects submerged themselves completely in the pool, but remained inactive, there was a prompt, gradual reduction in heart rate which reached 48 +/- 2.6 beats X min-1 within 30 sec and 40 +/- 2.6 beats X min-1 within 59 +/- 5.6 sec (maximum duration). When they propelled themselves under water for 33 sec by kicking their legs and breathed through a snorkel tube, heart rate increased progressively to a value of 118 +/- 4.1 beats X min-1 at 28 sec. However, when they performed the same manoeuvre while holding their breath, there was an initial increase in heart rate to 106 +/- 5.7 beats X min-1 within the first 10 sec. This was followed by a decline in heart rate which was more rapid than that recorded during inactive submersion and which eventually reached 48 +/- 4.4 beats X min-1 at mean underwater duration of 33 +/- 1.8 sec. It is concluded that during the first 10-15 sec of underwater breath-hold swimming in humans, the cardiovascular response (as indicated by heart rate) is similar to that seen during a similar level of exercise while breathing air. From then on there is a progressively more intense bradycardia which is probably indicative of an oxygen conserving response consisting of reduced perfusion of most of the body except the heart, CNS and active locomotory muscles. The degree and rate of onset of this proposed oxygen conserving response are influenced by the intensity of the exercise performed while under water and whether or not the period of underwater breath-hold swimming is preceded by exercise.