Increasing humidity at temperatures as low as 34 degrees Celsius, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, can cause a progressive increase in heart rate, also known as cardiovascular strain. Although heat-related morbidity and death in humans have been shown by earlier studies, the new study has demonstrated that even mild heat can have an impact on the human heart.
The study’s objectives were to determine the ranges of ambient temperature and water vapour pressure at which a steady increase in heart rate starts to happen and to compare those ranges to the environmental thresholds required to maintain thermal balance.
The study is quite relevant, even though extreme heat events are occurring more frequently and the global average temperature set records for two straight days last week.
51 young, healthy volunteers were instructed to take part in mild exercise inside an environmental room where the temperature or humidity increased every five minutes by Penn State researchers.
Each of these subjects received a capsule containing sensors that allowed the researchers to keep track of their pulse rates and internal organ temperatures (core temperature).
The initiation of cardiovascular strain occurred at lower environmental settings compared to those with elevated core temperature, regardless of gradually rising ambient temperature or humidity.
According to the results, an individual’s heart rate increases even before their body temperature begins to rise, according to a research in Nature. More people will be exposed to heatwaves and may be at risk.
According to her, attempts to safeguard human health could be informed by the study that identifies the combination of temperature and humidity that endangers the heart. Additionally, study demonstrated that even volunteers who walked slowly under humid conditions, roughly 34 degrees Celsius experienced cardiovascular strain.
The researchers discovered that the subjects’ heart rates increased consistently about 20 minutes before their core temperatures did. The researchers suggested that heart rate could be a helpful warning indication because it is so simple to assess.
According to study, if someone detects their heart rate increasing suddenly and steadily, that could indicate that their core temperature will start to rise. They must then take preventative action at that point.
