Abstract
The effect of a sudden increase of the inspired oxygen tension on the maximal aerobic performance was studied on 23 subjects acclimated to high altitude (5,350–8,848 m above sea level) in the course of a 4-mo expedition to Mt. Everest. Inhalation of 100% O2 at 390 mmHg or a rapid descent (20 min) by helicopter to 2,850 m (Pio2 = 117 mmHg) raised maximal oxygen consumption (Vo2 max) from an average 0.7 of the control sea-level value, respectively, to 0.92 and 0.97. The failure of acclimated subjects to increase markedly or even to resume the preexisting sea-level Vo2mxa while breathing O2 in the presence of a 40% increase of blood Hb concentration and of a limited reduction of maximal cardiac output (Qmax), is attributed to changes in the peripheral circulation. These may consist of a) a hindrance of O2 diffusion due to erythrocytes packing secondary to increased hematocrit (Hct up to 70%); b) a bypass of arterial blood from the high-resistance working areas of the body aimed at reducing the load on the heart caused by increased blood viscosity. A 11.6% increase above normal controls of Hb concentration still found in 13 subjects 25 days after leaving altitude does not increase significantly maximum O2 consumption.
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Subject
Physiology (medical),Physiology
Cited by
161 articles.
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