Transient Cardiac Sinus Dysrhythmia Occurring after Cold Water Immersion
Abstract
A variety of cardiac dysrhythmias are known to occur as a result of accidental hypothermia. The overall incidence and types of human cardiac electrical disturbances that occur as a result of occupational exposure to cold water is uncertain. We describe a transient form of sinus dysrhythmia in 5 professional divers after 2 hours in cold water. This report describes a nonpathologic dysrhythmia associated with cold water exposure. Qualitatively similar fluctuations in heart rate have been noted immediately after brief treadmill exercise and were attributed to phasic alterations in vagal tone. Although no direct tests of vagal function were conducted in the present report, an abrupt change in parasympathetic tone may have contributed in some manner to the sinus pauses. Exposure to cold water appeared to be the central factor related to the sinus dysrhythmia. Postdive decreases in skin and rectal temperatures of 5.3 + or - 0.7 and 0.3 + or - 0.2 C, respectively, indicate a loss of body heat that may have sensitized the sinus node, perhaps causing it to respond inappropriately to a normal reflex. Keywords: Sinoatrial node, Stress physiology, Reprints.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA197268
Entities
People
- Douglas L. Mayers
- Edward T. Flynn
- Thomas J. Doubt
Organizations
- Naval Medical Research Center