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[Acute mountain sickness at 3500 and 4250 m. A study of symptom, incidence and severity]
M Vargas1, J Osorio, D Jiménez
1Centro de Investigación en Medicina de Altura (CIMA), Mutual de Seguridad, C.CH.C., Iquique, Chile. medaltur@entelchile.net
Background:
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) refers to signs and symptoms associated with hypobaric hypoxia. Its reported incidence is highly variable.
Aim:
To determine the incidence of AMS symptoms and severity at 3,500 and 4,250 m above sea level.
Subjects And Methods:
A population of 362 soldiers without former exposure to altitude was studied. AMS symptoms, were assessed by an extensively used standard questionnaire (Lake Louise), applied 36-72 hours after exposure to high altitude.
Results:
A group of 200 recruits ascended to Putre (3,500 m) and a second group (162) ascended to Alto Pacollo (4,250 m). The incidence of AMS was 28% and 60% respectively (p < 0.05). Headaches and sleeping difficulties were the most frequent symptoms at both altitudes. Furthermore, severe digestive problems and dizziness were described in a high proportion of individuals at both 3,500 and 4,250 m.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of AMS in this study is similar to that reported elsewhere at equivalent altitudes.