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The Effect of Extreme Cold on Complete Blood Count and Biochemical Indicators: A Case Study

Author

Listed:
  • Aneta Teległów

    (Department of Rehabilitation in Internal Diseases, Institute of Clinical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Motor Rehabilitation, University of Physical Education, 31-571 Krakow, Poland)

  • Valerjan Romanovski

    (Non-Governmental Organization and Association Oswajamy Żywioły, 25-607 Kielce, Poland)

  • Beata Skowron

    (Medical Department Diagnostyka S.A., 31-864 Krakow, Poland)

  • Dawid Mucha

    (Institute of Health Sciences, Podhale State College of Applied Science in Nowy Targ, 34-400 Nowy Targ, Poland)

  • Łukasz Tota

    (Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of Physical Education, 31-571 Krakow, Poland)

  • Joanna Rosińczuk

    (Department of Nursing and Obstetrics, Division of Internal Medicine Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-618 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Dariusz Mucha

    (Department of Biological Regeneration and Correction of Posture Defects, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of Physical Education, 31-571 Krakow, Poland)

Abstract

Regular exposure to a cold factor—cold water swimming or ice swimming and cold air—results in an increased tolerance to cold due to numerous adaptive mechanisms in humans. Due to the lack of scientific reports on the effects of extremely low outdoor temperatures on the functioning of the human circulatory system, the aim of this study was to evaluate complete blood count and biochemical blood indices in multiple Guinness world record holder Valerjan Romanovski, who was exposed to extremely cold environment from −5 °C to −37 °C for 50 days in Rovaniemi (a city in northern Finland). Valerjan Romanovski proved that humans can function in extremely cold temperatures. Blood from the subject was collected before and after the expedition. The subject was found to have abnormalities for the following blood indices: testosterone increases by 60.14%, RBC decreases by 4.01%, HGB decreases by 3.47%, WBC decreases by 21.53%, neutrocytes decrease by 17.31%, PDW increases by 5.31%, AspAT increases by 52.81%, AlAT increase by 68.75%, CK increases by 8.61%, total cholesterol decreases by 5.88%, HDL increases by 28.18%. Percentage changes in other complete blood count and biochemical indices were within standard limits. Long-term exposure of the subject (50 days) to extreme cold stress had no noticeable negative effect on daily functioning.

Suggested Citation

  • Aneta Teległów & Valerjan Romanovski & Beata Skowron & Dawid Mucha & Łukasz Tota & Joanna Rosińczuk & Dariusz Mucha, 2021. "The Effect of Extreme Cold on Complete Blood Count and Biochemical Indicators: A Case Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2021:i:1:p:424-:d:715355
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Beat Knechtle & Zbigniew Waśkiewicz & Caio Victor Sousa & Lee Hill & Pantelis T. Nikolaidis, 2020. "Cold Water Swimming—Benefits and Risks: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-20, December.
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