A new test predicting who will suffer the effects of acute mountain sickness at high altitudes has been developed, according to scientists.
Commonly affecting mountaineers and skiers, the potentially fatal condition occurs due to the difficulty of adapting to low oxygen levels and can result in a build-up of fluid on the brain and lungs. Current treatments include preventative medication or if severely affected, a rapid descent back to sea level.
During the study, researchers examined how the heart responds to low oxygen levels before studying cardiovascular function using ultrasound techniques. Volunteers had oxygen saturation levels monitored after spend four hours on the mountain, with 13 of 34 subjects developing fairly severe symptoms after 24 hours at altitude. Those affected were found to have lower oxygen saturation levels with poorer function in the right ventricle, yet no changes were found in those unaffected.
Dr Rosa Maria Bruno, who led the study, explained: ”If these results are confirmed by larger studies, it will be possible to identify vulnerable individuals and suggest particular behaviours and drugs. Thus we can give them special advice and recommendations such as avoiding high altitudes or spending more time ascending to allow time for acclimatisation. This can be an important problem since an increasing number of people go to high altitude without being conscious of the potential risks.”