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[Blood coagulation in immersion in high altitudes]
Bollettino Della Societa Italiana Di Biologia Sperimentale
|January 30, 1981
Summary
High altitude exposure alters blood coagulation, lengthening whole-Blood Coagulation Time (BCT) after dives. Sea level dives shortened BCT, indicating chronic hypoxia impacts blood function.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Diving Medicine
Context:
- Sport divers were studied at sea level and high altitude.
- Physiological responses to breath-hold diving and hypoxia were investigated.
- Blood parameters including coagulation factors were measured.
Purpose:
- To investigate the effects of chronic hypoxia and breath-hold diving on blood coagulation.
- To determine if high altitude exposure modifies blood's response to diving stress.
- To assess changes in hematocrit, hemoglobin, 2,3-DPG, and coagulation markers.
Summary:
- Volunteers performed 20m dives and breath-hold tests. Blood samples were analyzed for various biochemical markers and whole-Blood Coagulation Time (BCT).
- 2,3-DPG levels increased with high altitude. Post-dive BCT was significantly prolonged at high altitude (39%) but shortened at sea level (30%).
- Hypoxia hyperventilation did not alter BCT, suggesting chronic hypoxia, not acute hyperventilation, influences blood coagulation.
Impact:
- Findings suggest chronic hypoxia induces biochemical and functional blood changes affecting coagulation.
- This research highlights the physiological adaptations divers may experience at different altitudes.
- Understanding these blood modifications is crucial for diver safety and performance analysis.