Hemodynamic response to postural shift in women with multiple chemical sensitivities.
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic condition prevalent in women; the symptoms are reproducible with repeated low-level chemical exposure. Evidence gathered through clinical observations suggests that women with MCS may be at risk for autonomic nervous system dysfunction as evidenced by abnormal heart rate and pulse pressure responses to exercise. The primary objective of this study was to describe the hemodynamic response to postural shift in 17 women with MCS. Using impedance cardiography, hemodynamic measures were taken while sitting and immediately upon standing. The hemodynamic response to standing was increased heart rate (p < .0001), decreased stroke volume (p = .002), decreased left ventricular ejection time (p < .0001), increased diastolic blood pressure (p = .01), and increased systemic vascular resistance (p =.002). Although this pattern of hemodynamic response was normal, the magnitude of the changes was considerably less than those observed previously in healthy participants. These findings warrant further investigation.
McFetridge-Durdle
Judith A
JA
Dalhousie School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada. judith.mcfetridge@dal.ca
Routledge
Faye S
FS
Sampalli
Tara
T
Fox
Roy
R
Livingston
Heather
H
Adams
Barbara
B
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D018777:Multiple Chemical Sensitivity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004856:Postural Balance