Delayed metabolic disturbances in the myocardium after exertional heat stroke: contrasting effects of exertion and thermal load

Epidemiological data demonstrate greater cardiovascular risk in patients with previous heat stroke exposure. Using a preclinical mouse model of exertional heat stroke, male mice were exposed to one of three environmental temperatures (T e ) during exercise. Paradoxically, after 2 wk, the mice in the lowest T e , exhibiting the largest exercise response and lowest heat load, had the greatest ventricular metabolic disturbances. Metabolic outcomes resemble developing left ventricular hypertrophy or stress-induced heart disease.