Physiological responses during ascent to high altitude and the incidence of acute mountain sickness

We evaluated the performance of a simple exercise challenge at altitude (the Xtreme Everest Step ‐Test) in predicting acute mountain sickness (AMS) on a trek to Everest Base Camp (5300 m). The overall occurrence of AMS during the trek was high (73.5%). Lower peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) following the Xtreme Everest Step ‐Test at 3500 m and no previous exposure to altitude>5000  m predicted the development of moderate to severe AMS (Lake Louise score ≥5) during the trek. The Xtreme Everest Step‐Test offers a simple, reproducible field test to contribute towards the prediction of AMS, albeit with relatively limited predictive precision. AbstractAcute mountain sickness (AMS) occurs when there is failure of acclimatisation to high altitude. The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between physiological variables and the incidence of AMS during ascent to 5300  m. A total of 332 lowland‐dwelling volunteers followed an identical ascent profile on staggered treks. Self‐reported symptoms of AMS were recorded daily using the Lake Louise score (mild 3–4; moderate‐severe ≥5), alongside measurements of physiological variables (heart rate, respiratory rate (RR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and blood pressure) before and after a standardised Xtreme Everest Step ‐Test (XEST). The overall occurrence of AMS among participants was 73.5% (23.2% mild, 50.3% moderate–severe). There was no difference in gender, age, previous AMS, weight or b...

Source: Physiological Reports - April 27, 2021 Category: Physiology Authors: Alexandra B. Cobb, Denny Z. H. Levett, Kay Mitchell, Wynne Aveling, Daniel Hurlbut, Edward Gilbert ‐Kawai, Philip J. Hennis, Monty G. Mythen, Michael P. W. Grocott, Daniel S. Martin, Caudwell Xtreme Everest, Xtreme Everest 2009, Xtreme Everest Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research