Prognostic criteria for the selection of individuals with different heat sensitivity

Abstract

The aim: To establish criteria for individual thermal sensitivity in almost healthy individuals aged 17-20 years. Materials and methods: We surveyed 150 people aged 17-20 years. Heat sensitivity was previously assessed using our adapted questionnaire «Levels of heat sensitivity», in which according to the scale the number of points 0-6 indicates reduced heat sensitivity, 7-16 points - increased). All respondents underwent thermal testing. The subjects had auscultatory determination of pulse rate and blood pressure, after which the hands of both hands were immersed in a container with warm water (45° C) for 3 minutes. At the 2nd minute, pulse rate and blood pressure were determined. this procedure was repeated after the hands were removed from the water, and every 2 minutes until the pulse and blood pressure recovered over time. Before and after the heat test, a mathematical analysis of heart rate was performed using a computer software package, according to the manufacturer›s instructions. Results: After conducting a thermal test in people with hypersensitivity, an increase in the average values of heart rate and blood pressure. In the group of people with lower sensitivity to heat, heart rate and blood pressure after the heat test decreased or did not change. As a result of statistical processing of data from mathematical analysis of heart rate, it was found that in persons with hypersensitivity after the thermal test increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system, while in subjects with reduced sensitivity to heat showed a slight advantage of parasympathetic nervous system. Conclusions: Increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system in response to heat in people with hypersensitivity indicates the development of stress, and given the current trend towards long-term and constant increase in average annual temperature, this will lead to overstrain of regulatory mechanisms, depletion of functional reserves and reduced adaptability . Therefore, people with high heat sensitivity are particularly vulnerable to global climate change.