[Physiological and pathological responses to altitude]

Hypobaric hypoxia, the hallmark of a high altitude environment, has important physiological effects on both the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in order to maintain a balance between oxygen demand and supply. This dynamic of acclimatization is influenced both by the level of altitude and the speed of progression, but is also very individual with a wide spectrum of responses and sensitivities. This wide range of responses is associated with nonspecific symptoms characterising acute mountain sickness and high-altitude cerebral or pulmonary oedema. This article reviews the current knowledge about both the acclimatization processes and specific diseases of high-altitude.