A Non-Dimensional Analysis of Cardiovascular Response to Cold Stress. Part I. Identification of the Physical Parameters that Govern the Thermoregulatory Function of the Cardiovascular System.
Abstract
Whether in combat-type situations, or during peace-time, Man constantly strives to increase the envelope of human performance capabilities. One environmental factor that appears to seriously impede such capabilities is the ambient temperature within which the performance takes place. Cold stress and/or the consequences of hypothermia can lead to adverse effects that range from severe impairment of physiological function to death, itself. The prevailing belief today is that vascular changes and tissue hypoxia are directly responsible for all types of local cold injury, and that variation in the clinical features or manifestations reflects variation in the nature of the insult and the host response. With this in mind, this study has examined the human cardiovascular system in terms of its four basic elements: The fluid (blood), the pump (Heart), the flow pipes (vascular system), and the control mechanisms (intrinsic factors, the central and autonomic nervous systems, and the endocrine system). Then, cardiovascular thermoregulation has been described in terms of how each of these elements responds to cold stress, with the ultimate intent of performing a non-dimensional analysis of the response. As a first step towards such an analysis, some 400 physical and chemical parameters that govern the thermoregulatory function of the cardiovascular system have been identified.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA138710
Entities
People
- D. J. Schneck
Organizations
- Naval Medical Research Center