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Cardiovascular reactions to cold exposures differ with age and gender
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|January 1, 1985
Summary
Older adults experience greater cardiovascular stress during cold exposure, with increased blood pressure. Younger individuals maintain better cardiovascular stability in cold environments, highlighting age-related differences in thermoregulation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Physiology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Thermoregulation
Background:
- Limited data exists on age- and gender-specific cardiovascular responses to cold environments.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for assessing risks associated with cold exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age- and gender-related differences in cardiovascular adjustments to varying ambient temperatures.
- To assess the impact of cold exposure on cardiac output, blood pressure, and blood flow in different age groups.
Main Methods:
- Healthy men and women (20-30 yrs and 51-72 yrs) underwent 2-hour rest in controlled ambient temperatures (28°C down to 10°C).
- Measurements included cardiac output (Qc), stroke volume (Qs), heart rate, mean arterial pressure (Pa), and forearm/finger blood flow.
- Relative humidity was maintained at 40%.
Main Results:
- Younger subjects exhibited higher cardiac output and stroke volume than older subjects across all temperatures.
- Cold exposure increased stroke volume and decreased heart rate in men, but not women. Cardiac output increased only at 10°C.
- Older adults showed higher blood pressure and peripheral resistance during cold exposure compared to younger individuals.
Conclusions:
- Age significantly influences cardiovascular adjustments to cold, with older adults experiencing greater increases in blood pressure and peripheral resistance.
- Gender differences were observed in heart rate and stroke volume responses to cold, particularly in men.
- Elevated blood pressure in older individuals during prolonged cold exposure may pose risks, especially for those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.