Abstract
Cardiac systolic time intervals (STLs) and Heather index (HI) were used to access changes in left ventricular function of six male subjects exposed to postural changes,$0^{\circ}C$, ${\pm}2^{\circ}C$, ${\pm}45^{\circ}C$, ${\pm}90^{\circ}C$, Significant prolongation of the pre-ejection period (PEP) and PEP/ LVET ratio, shortening of the left ventricular ejection time (LVET), STI, HI and $1/PEP^{2}$were observed during exposure to both $+45^{\circ}C $ and $+90^{\circ}C $But the values measured during $-45^{\circ}C $ and$-90^{\circ}C $ were reversed. Changes in fluid shift, filling volume, preload, after load and sympathetic activities may account for the observed findings. Early response of cardiac foctions was recorded using impedance cardiography. This method is very simple but accurate. Thus it will be useful in this aerospace and work physiology. In conclusion, STIs appear to provide reliable noninvasive method for examining changes of cardiac function during exposure to postural changes.