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Human physiology at extreme altitudes on Mount Everest
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 24, 1984
Summary
Human physiology can adapt to extreme altitude hypoxia through increased ventilation, but oxygen levels remain critically low. This study investigated human responses to severe oxygen deprivation during an Everest expedition.
Area of Science:
- Human physiology
- Altitude medicine
- Extreme environment research
Background:
- Extreme altitude poses significant physiological challenges due to severe oxygen deprivation.
- Understanding human adaptation to hypoxia is crucial for mountaineering and aerospace medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate human physiological responses to extreme altitude.
- To collect physiological data at altitudes above 8000 meters, including the summit of Mount Everest.
Main Methods:
- Physiological data collection during the American Medical Research Expedition to Everest.
- Measurements included ventilation, blood gases, metabolic function, and psychometric changes.
- Data obtained at extreme altitudes, including summit measurements.
Main Results:
- Humans tolerate extreme hypoxia via a substantial increase in ventilation.
- Alveolar partial pressure of carbon dioxide reached 7.5 torr, and arterial pH exceeded 7.7 on the summit.
- Arterial partial pressure of oxygen was below 30 torr, with maximum oxygen uptake around 1 liter per minute.
Conclusions:
- The human body compensates for extreme altitude hypoxia through significant hyperventilation.
- Despite compensatory mechanisms, physiological function is severely limited at extreme altitudes.
- The study clarifies human physiological and metabolic responses in a hostile, low-oxygen environment.