Impact of Prolonged Cold-water Swimming on Heart Rate and Cardiac Function

Impact of Prolonged Cold-water Swimming on Heart Rate and Cardiac Function in Healthy Swimmers.

A significant medical risk associated with hypothermia during exercise in a cold environment cardiac arrhythmia due to a possible autonomic conflict. However, little is known about the changes in heart rate and cardiac function after prolonged cold water swimming.

The investigators propose to measure the changes in core temperarure during and after a cold water swim at at a water temperature below 15.5°C qualifying for English Channel swim and to test the association with changes in heart rate variability, resting electrocardiogram and left ventricle function.

Inclusion Criteria:

• swimmers taking part in the Channel Swim Camp
• swimmers above 18 years of age
• swimmers willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• swallowing disorder
• chronic gastrointestinal disease
• MRI scheduled within 48 hours after the race.
• known cardiac arythmia or cardiovascular disease