Heart rate and blood pressure variability in subjects exposed to simulated increases in gravity

The effect of simulated increases in gravity (G) force on blood pressure and heart rate variability was investigated in seven normal healthy subjects using a man-carrying centrifuge. Subjects were exposed to G forces up to 3.6 times the gravity at the earth's surface (3.6 G). Blood pressure was measured non-invasively using a finger cuff (Finapres), while the subjects breathed at a fixed rate and depth. The blood pressure waveform was digitized and systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and beat-to-beat intervals were extracted from these data. Power spectra were produced from these values. Increases in G force produced increases in spectral power of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure at the respiratory frequency (0.2 Hz) and less conspicuous but significant increases in spectral power at lower frequencies (0.045-0.15 Hz). The spectral power of beat-to-beat interval did not change. It is postulated that the reduction in central blood volume produced by increased gravity is affecting blood pressure control in a similar way to that seen in hypovolaemic animals. The marked increase in blood pressure fluctuations induced by respiration at the higher G levels may be a result of the alteration in venous return to the right atrium, ultimately reflected as fluctuating left ventricular output and pressure.