Abstract
The present experiments have been conducted to study the immediate effects of graded immersion on the central circulation. When taking heart volume as an indicator, it was found that immersion to the diaphragm of a standing subject produces the same changes as assumption of the supine posture. Heart volume increases by approximately 130ml. When the water level is raised to the neck, an extra pressure corresponding to a water column extending from the diaphragm to the surface of the water of approximately 25 cm H2O forces blood into the thorax. The heart becomes distended by an additional 120ml. Correspondingly the central venous pressure at the height of the right atrium increases from 2.5 to 12.8 mm Hg when the water level rises from the diaphragm to the neck. The greater filling of the pulmonary circulation is accompanied by a decrease in vital capacity and visualized by scintigrams. The preferential increase in blood volume of the apical regions is striking. When raising the water level from the symphysis to the xiphoid heart rate falls by about 15%.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Agostini, E., Gurtner, G., Torri, G., Rahn, H.: Respiratory mechanics during submersion and negative-pressure breathing. J. Appl. Physiol.21, 251–258 (1966)
Arborelius, M., Jr., Balldin, U. I., Lilja, B., Lundgren, C. E. G.: Hemodynamic changes in man during immersion with the head above water. Aerospace Med.43, 592–598 (1972)
Aschoff, J.: Personal communication
Balldin, U. I., Dahlbäck, G. O., Lundgren, C. E. G.: Changes in vital capacity produced by oxygen breathing during immersion with the head above water. Aerospace Med.42, 384–387 (1971)
Bazett, H. C., Thurlow, S., Crowell, C., Stewart, W.: Studies on the effects of baths on man. II. The diuresis caused by warm baths, together with some observations on urinary tides. Am. J. Physiol.70, 430–452 (1924)
Echt, M., Lange, L., Gauer, O. H.: Changes of peripheral venous tone and central transmural venous pressure during immersion in a thermo-neutral bath. Pflügers Arch.352, 211–217 (1974)
Epstein, M.: Cardiovascular and renal effects of head-out water immersion in man. Application of the model in the assessment of volume homeostasis. Circ. Res.39, 619–628 (1976)
Epstein, M., Miller, M., Schneider, N.: Depth of immersion as a determinant of the natriuresis of water immersion. Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med.146, 562–566 (1974)
Gauer, O. H.: Röntgenkinematographische Darstellung der Fliehkraftwirkung. Luftfahrtmed.9, 109–120 (1944)
Gauer, O. H., Henry, J. P.: Neurohormonal control of plasma volume. Intern. Rev. Physiol.9, 145–190 (1976)
Gauer, O. H., Thron, H. L.: Postural changes in the circulation. Handbook of Physiology, Sec. 2: Circulation, Vol. III, pp. 2409–2439 (1965)
Hong, S. K., Cerretelli, P., Cruz, J. C., Rahn, H.: Mechanics of respiration during submersion in water. J. Appl. Physiol.27, 535–538 (1969)
Lange, L., Lange, S., Echt, M., Gauer, O. H.: Heart volume in relation to body posture and immersion in a thermo-neutral bath. A roentgenometric study. Pflügers Arch.352, 219–226 (1974)
Risch, W. D., Koubenec, H.-J., Gauer, O. H., Lange, S.: Time course of cardiac distension with rapid immersion in a thermoneutral bath. Pflügers Arch.374, 119–120 (1978)
Sachs, L.: Angewandte Statistik, Planung und Auswertung. Methoden und Modelle, 4. Aufl. Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1974
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Risch, W.D., Koubenec, HJ., Beckmann, U. et al. The effect of graded immersion on heart volume, central venous pressure, pulmonary blood distribution, and heart rate in man. Pflugers Arch. 374, 115–118 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00581289
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00581289