Response to high altitude

Question 1

Acute increase in ventilation

Answer 1

low PO2

low PCO2

Question 2

Chronic increase in ventilation; 5 changes

Answer 2

1) high EPO (high Hct and Hb, chronic hypoxia)
2) high 2,3-BPG (binds Hb to release more O2)
3) Cellular changes (more mitochondria)
4) high release excretion of bicarb (augmented by acetazolamide) to compensate for respiratory alkalosis
5) chronic hypoxic pulm vasoconstriction resulting in RVH