Functional-morphologic changes of the heart in hypothermia

The literature review describing functional and morphological changes of the heart in low atmosphere temperature is represented in this article. Currently, cardiac functional reserves are studied in details and functional characteristic of cardiac activity is described in different hypothermia levels. However, the data inconsistent in some cases. Cardiac morphology in lethal hypothermia was studied, but differential diagnosis criteria of general overcooling, alcohol intoxication and ischemic heart disease were not informative. Morphologic characteristics of cardiac conducting system is practically not studied. Their study allowed to clear understanding of cardiac functional changes mechanism.