Year: 1995
Type: article
Abstract: We studied the physiologic and clinical responses to moderate altitude in 97 older men and women (aged 59 to 83 years) over 5 days in Vail, Colorado, at an elevation of 2,500 m (8,200 ft). The incidence of acute mountain sickness was 16%, which is slightly lower than that reported for younger persons. The occurrence of symptoms of acute mountain sickness did not parallel arterial oxygen saturation or spirometric or blood pressure measurements. Chronic diseases were present in percentages typical for ambulatory elderly persons: 19 (20%) had coronary artery disease, 33 (34%) had hypertension, and 9 (9%) had lung disease. Despite this, no adverse signs or symptoms occurred in our subjects during their stay at this altitude. Our findings suggest that persons with preexisting, generally asymptomatic, cardiovascular or pulmonary disease can safely visit moderate altitudes.
Source: PubMed Central
Authors: R C Roach, C S Houston, B Honigman, R A Nicholas, M Yaron, C K Grissom, J K Alexander, H N Hultgren
Language: English
Topic: High Altitude and Hypoxia
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1481738524