title: Effect of body inversion on hemodynamics determined by two-dimensional echocardiography.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine if head-down inversion of normal men from a supine position would increase blood return to the heart. Eight healthy, normovolemic men were placed into 10 degrees, 30 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees head-down tilt positions. BP and two-dimensional echocardiograms were recorded at the supine baseline and immediately after inversion. There was no significant change in left ventricular end-diastolic volume, stroke volume, cardiac output, or BP with inversion, except for a significant increase in diastolic pressure at the 60 degree position. The efficacy of placing hypotensive shock patients in the head-down tilt position is discussed.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002302:Cardiac Output; D004452:Echocardiography; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006339:Heart Rate; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D007024:Hypotension, Orthostatic / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D011187:Posture; D013318:Stroke Volume