Cardiovascular changes during acceleration stress in dogs

Abstract

Dogs were accelerated on the Wright-Patterson AFB human centrifuge in positive and transverse vectors. Cardiac output, blood pressure and heart rate were measured, and stroke volume and peripheral resistance calculated. In positive (headward) acceleration, the cardiac output and stroke volume were reduced; the peripheral resistance was increased. In the transverse vectors, the cardiac output was stable or increased; stroke volume was stable, and peripheral resistance was reduced. The results suggest that the circulatory disturbances associated with positive acceleration may limit tolerance to acceleration and that these may be avoided in transverse acceleration. Note: (With the Technical Assistance of Peter Grenell) Submitted on December 3, 1959