CARDIAC CHANGES DURING PROGRESSIVE HYPOTHERMIA

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
In hypothermia produced in rats and kittens without anesthesia there is a linear relationship between the decrease in heart rate and the lowering of the body level of heat. Body temps. as low as 75[degree]F are not critical, although there is slowing of the heart to 1/3 the normal rate, and increase in the conduction time and in the width and amplitude of R and T waves. Temps. of 65oF or less are critical; the rhythm becomes irregular, the P-R interval lengthens, and A-V block appears. In kittens there develops a peculiar long diphasic ventricular wave. The cardiac changes are reversible, disappearing as recovery proceeds. Cold has a direct effect upon the heart, but the vascular debilities incident to hypothermia are suggested to be secondary to anoxemia induced by cold narcosis of the medullary respiratory centers.

This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit: