The physiologic basis of high-altitude diseases

Author:

West, John B.

Title:

The physiologic basis of high-altitude diseases

Periodical:

Annals of Internal Medicine

Year:

2004

Volume:

141

Pages:

789-800

Subject:

High altitude physiology Altitude mountain sickness (AMS) Pulmonary edema Cerebral edema Oxygen Acute mountain sickness (AMS)

Summary:

This article sheds light on the physiologic basis of high-altitude diseases as many people live and play at high altitude and, increasingly, are moving to work at high altitude. Approximately 140 million persons reside at altitudes over 2500 m, (mainly in North, Central, and South America, Asia, and eastern Africa), and as the Golmud-Lhasa railroad is constructed in Tibet, 30 000 to 50 000 people will work at high altitude -- many of whom will work at elevations higher than 4000 m. In addition, telescopes have been built at altitudes of more than 5000 m in elevation and mines that are located above the 4500 m elevation also employ people who work at these altitudes. As a result, the physiology of hypoxia, which is at the basis of high-altitude medicine, plays an important role in many lung and heart diseases as high altitude affects the human body due to oxygen deprivation. Other factors, such as severe cold, high winds, and intense solar radiation, may be present but can be nullified by appropriate protection.

Label:

Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS)

URL:

http://cletus.uhh.hawaii.edu:2422/content/141/10/789.full.pdf

Date:

2004

Collection:

Periodicals