Influence of profuse sweating on systolic time intervals

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Exercise Physiology
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Systolic time intervals (STI) are non-invasive measures of cardiac function.
• Profuse sweating can induce physiological changes that may affect cardiovascular parameters.
• The pre-ejection to ejection time ratio (PEP:ET) is a sensitive indicator of left ventricular contractility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of profuse sweating on systolic time intervals.
• To determine if sauna-induced sweating affects cardiac function measurements.

Main Methods:

• Systolic time intervals were measured in 21 healthy men.
• Measurements were taken before and after a sauna bathing session.
• Key parameters analyzed included ejection time (ET) and pre-ejection time (PEP).

Main Results:

• Ejection time (ET) was significantly shortened post-sauna.
• Pre-ejection time (PEP) and the PEP:ET ratio significantly increased after sauna bathing.
• The PEP:ET ratio, a marker for cardiac impairment, exceeded the normal threshold (0.42) in 28.5% of participants after sweating.

Conclusions:

• Profuse sweating significantly alters systolic time intervals.
• Measurements of cardiac function, particularly the PEP:ET ratio, obtained after profuse sweating may lead to a false impression of impaired left ventricular performance.
• Caution is advised when interpreting STI in individuals who have recently experienced significant sweating.