Increased G-suit coverage improves cardiac preloading conditions during positive pressure breathing

Aviat Space Environ Med. 1994 Jul;65(7):632-40.

Abstract

A miniaturized nuclear probe (MNP) and multiple gated cardiac blood pool imaging (RCBI) were used to measure left ventricular function during positive pressure breathing (PPB) while wearing an extended-coverage (EC) vs. standard-coverage (SC) anti-G-suit. Seven subjects were exposed to 4.0 and 9.3 kPa PPB wearing each anti-G-suit during 3 min of PPB at ground level. Ejection fraction was unchanged using both techniques. The atrial component to diastolic filling was greater with the SC suit (p < 0.02). Using the MNP, end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes declined non-linearly over time at both PPB levels; these declines were greater with the SC G-suit (p < 0.001). Left ventricular preload declines during PPB. This is attenuated with increased G-suit coverage, confirming prior results using impedance cardiography. RCBI is less sensitive than MNP's for measuring non-steady-state cardiac physiology such as PPB.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Pressure
  • Female
  • Gated Blood-Pool Imaging
  • Gravity Suits*
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Positive-Pressure Respiration*
  • Vascular Resistance
  • Ventricular Function, Left*