THE EFFECT OF SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENTAL TEMPERATURE ON CARDIAC PROPERTIES AMONG NORMAL INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

Back ground and aim of the study: Cardiovascular disease is the most prominent circulation disorder around the world and regarded to be the main cause of serious health and economic problems in developing countries as the three fourth of the global deaths due to coronary heart disease occur in the middle income countries. Extreme cold episodes significantly have its impact on health, especially on the cardiovascular system by different mechanisms. This is a community based study aimed to detect the influence of the surrounding environmental temperature on cardiac function. Subjects and method: Thirty of apparent healthy individuals submitted for longitudinal study along winter and summer seasons. all subjects undergo specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. will be exposed to the following investigations at one of the coldest day in Winter (below 14 º C) and one the hottest day in Summer (above 34 º C ): - Measurement of arterial blood pressure. - Local examination of heart. - Recording electrocardiograph (ECG). Results of the present study showed significant elevation in the blood pressure, associated with cold weather, the percentage increase in the MAP was 6.98% , in systolic pressure was 8.36% and in diastolic pressure was 6.23%.On the other hand there were no- significant changes in the heart rate or other ECG findings. Conclusion: From the previous results we can conclude that Cold weather is associated with slight increase in the arterial blood pressure (systolic and diastolic).but there is no change in the other cardiac properties.