Twenty-Week Dynamics of Cardiovascular System Parameters in Antarctic Expedition Participants (Individual Tracks)

Abstract

During the 70th Russian Antarctic Expedition at Progress Station (late December 2024 – late April 2025), daily pulse and blood pressure measurements were taken using a tonometer, as well as heart rate variability indices were recorded using the variation pulsometry method in two men. Subject 1, who almost never missed taking measurements, showed a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure and pulse blood pressure in March and April, with the greatest decrease in the second half of March. When analyzing heart rate variability parameters, the lowest values for the low-frequency to high-frequency (LF/HF) power ratio were recorded in late March – early April, and the stress index significantly decreased in February compared to early December. No statistically significant changes were observed for other parameters. A similar trend was observed in the synchronous control group (6 men examined in Moscow from February to May). Subject 2, who participated in fewer tests, showed no changes in his parameters.

Funding. The study was prepared as part of state assignment No. 121032500081-5 of Lomonosov Moscow State University and the state assignment of the Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, research project “Assessment of the body’s physiological balance under the influence of extreme environmental factors” (No. FGFU-2025-0003).

Acknowledgements. The observation data used in writing the article were obtained during the 70th Russian Antarctic Expedition organized by the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute. The authors express their deep gratitude to the expedition members for their comprehensive assistance during the research, as well as to the staff of the Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology for participating in control measurements.