Vol 69, Supp. III (2011)
Reviews
Published online: 2011-11-24
Complex profile of the reflex diving response
DOI: 10.33963/v.kp.79159
Abstract
Breath-holding coupled with face cooling triggers a set of the reflex cardiovascular responses, defined as a diving reflex. The
major reflex responses include a decrease in heart rate and peripheral vasoconstriction with an increase of arterial pressure to
evoke central blood pooling with preferential provision of the brain and heart perfusion. Due to high individual variability
and situational dependence the individual course of the reflex response is hardly predictable. Heart rhythm disturbances are
the major, sometimes fatal complications of the response. This review is an outline of causing factors, circumstances, mechanisms
and the effects of the diving reflex and their practical implications, including risk factors of the critical arrhythmias
occurred in diving.
Kardiol Pol 2011; 69, supl. III: 104–114
Kardiol Pol 2011; 69, supl. III: 104–114
Keywords: diving reflexfacial cooling reflexbreath-holdingapneahypoxiabradycardiaautonomic regulationcardiovascular regulationarrhythmia