Altitude Flashcards
At what height does altitude illness start?
10,000 feet (but may start at 6,000)
What is altitude illness?
a drop in partial pressure of oxygen
risk factors for altitude illness
rate of increasing altitude
level of exertion at high altitude
previous history of altitude illness
residence altitude
What does a higher altitude mean?
increased height = reduced barometric pressure resulting in decreased partial pressure of oxygen = less saturation of red blood cells
Native
larger chest capacity
more alveoli, capillaries, and red blood cells
Resident
partial adaptations
increased mitochondria and hemoglobin
glycogen conservation
Visitor
increased breathing, heart action, hemoglobin, blood alkalinity, myoglobin
changes in blood flow, and enzyme activity
benefits of high altitude training
increased bbc production
increased tolerance to co2 and lactic acid
increased lung capacity
increased capillaries in muscles
How long do you need to be at altitude to notice changes?
3-4 weeks
Possible negatives from being at altitude
Increased blood viscosity
Decreased muscle blood flow
Decreased cardiac output
Decreased protein synthesis
Types of altitude illness
High altitude headache
Acute mountain sickness
High altitude cerebral edema
High altitude pulmonary edema
What are factors that can cause a high altitude headache?
usually attributed to lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and dehydration
How to treat a high altitude headache?
acetaminophen and NSAIDs
Ratio of people that will experience AMS
1:3
Acute Mountain Sickness symptoms
High Altitude Headache +
Stomach Issues
Dizziness
Fatigue
