Table 2.
Effects of hypobaric hypoxia on cardiac contractile function
| Normoxic | Hypoxic | |
|---|---|---|
| RV cardiac parameters | ||
| Coronary flow (ml/min) | 10.6 ± 0.4 | 14.3 ± 1.1** |
| Heart rate (beats min−1) | 260 ± 11.5 | 253 ± 26 |
| Systolic pressure (mmHg) | 55 ± 2.1 | 66.3 ± 5.1* |
| Developed pressure (mmHg) | 43 ± 2.1 | 54.3 ± 5.1* |
| Rate pressure product (beats min−1 mmHg) | 11,257 ± 842 | 13,993 ± 2,214 |
| LV cardiac parameters | ||
| Coronary flow (ml/min) | 12.4 ± 0.97 | 17.1 ± 1.5* |
| Heart rate (beats min−1) | 266 ± 12.9 | 306 ± 21.7 |
| Systolic pressure (mmHg) | 95.3 ± 5.6 | 81.7 ± 8.1* |
| Developed pressure (mmHg) | 83.3 ± 5.6 | 69.7 ± 8.1* |
| Rate pressure product (beats min−1 mmHg) | 22,395 ± 2,082 | 20,700 ± 1,517 |
Rats were exposed to hypobaric hypoxia (11% O2) for 4 weeks and compared with age-matched normoxic groups. Data are presented as means ± SEM.
P < 0.05 and
P < 0.01 vs. normoxic controls (n = 6 animals per group)