Real-time electrocardiogram transmission from Mount Everest during continued ascent

Area of Science:

• Expedition Medicine
• Altitude Physiology
• Telemedicine

Background:

• Mount Everest expeditions pose significant physiological challenges.
• Monitoring climber health at extreme altitudes is crucial for safety.
• Current methods for real-time health assessment during high-altitude climbs are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of real-time electrocardiogram (ECG) and global positioning system (GPS) data transmission from Mount Everest.
• To determine if real-time physiological data can inform decisions about a climber's suitability for ascent.
• To evaluate the utility of satellite phone technology for remote medical monitoring in extreme environments.

Main Methods:

• Four climbers in the 2009 Mount Everest program were enrolled.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) and global positioning system (GPS) data were collected at multiple altitudes (Base Camp, Camp 2, Camp 3, Camp 4).
• Data was transmitted in real-time via satellite phone.

Main Results:

• Successful real-time transmission of ECG and GPS coordinates was achieved from all monitored locations.
• Resting Heart Rate (RHR) was recorded at each camp, showing variations with altitude (Base Camp: 54-113 bpm, Camp 2: 94-130 bpm, Camp 3: 98-115 bpm, Camp 4: 93-111 bpm).
• Three out of four climbers successfully summited Mount Everest.

Conclusions:

• Real-time satellite transmission of ECG and GPS data is feasible for climbers on Mount Everest.
• Real-time Resting Heart Rate (RHR) monitoring can provide valuable insights into a climber's physiological status.
• This technology can potentially enhance safety by enabling objective assessment of a climber's capacity to continue ascent.