Vojnosanitetski pregled 2013 Volume 70, Issue 7, Pages: 670-674
https://doi.org/10.2298/VSP120630013V
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The effects of acclimatization on blood clotting parameters in exertional heat stress
Vesić Zoran (Ministry of Defense, Belgrade)
Vukašinović-Vesić Milica (Association of Sport Medicine of Serbia, Belgrade)
Dinčić Dragan (Faculty of Medicine of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Belgrade)
Šurbatović Maja (Faculty of Medicine of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Belgrade)
Radaković Sonja S. (Faculty of Medicine of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Belgrade)
Background/Aim. Exertional heat stress is a common problem in military
services. Considering the coagulation abnormalities are of major importance
in development of severe heat stroke, we wanted to examine changes in
hemostatic parameters in soldiers during exertional heat stress test as well
as the effects of a 10-day passive or active acclimatization in a climatic
chamber. Methods. A total of 40 male soldiers with high aerobic capacity
performed exertional heat stress test (EHST) either in cool [20ºC, 16ºC wet
bulb globe temperature (WBGT)], or hot (40ºC, 29ºC, (WBGT) environment,
unacclimatized (U) or after 10 days of passive (P) or active (A)
acclimatization. Physiological strain was measured by tympanic temperatures
(Tty) and heart rates (HR). Platelet count (PC), antithrombin III (AT), and
prothrombin time (PT) were assessed in blood samples collected before and
immediately after the EHST. Results. EHST in hot conditions induced
physiological heat stress (increase in Tty and HR), with a significant
increase in prothrombin time in the groups U and A. Platelet counts were
significantly higher after the EHST compared to the basic levels in all the
investigated groups, regardless environmental conditions and acclimatization
state. Antithrombin levels were not affected by EHST whatsoever. Conclusion.
In the trained soldiers, physiological heat stress caused mild changes in
some serum parameters of blood clotting such as prothrombin time, while
others such as antithrombin levels were not affected. Platelet counts were
increased after EHST in all groups. A 10-day passive or active
acclimatization in climatic chamber showed no effect on parameters
investigated.
Keywords: physical exertion, heat stress disorders, acclimatization, blood coagulation, military personnel, Serbia