Cardiac output in muscular exercise at 5,800 m (19,000 ft)

¹ Himalayan Scientific and Mountaineering Expedition, 1960–1961, and Division of Human Physiology, National Institute for Medical Research, Medical Research Council Laboratories, Hampstead, London, England

Cardiac output during muscular exercise was estimated by the acetylene technique on four members of the Himalayan Scientific and Mountaineering expedition 1960–1961 at sea level and 5,800 m (19,000 ft). The output for a given work intensity at 5,800 m (19,000 ft) was comparable with the output at the same work intensity at sea level, but the maximum output was reduced, the mean value being 16 liters/min, compared with 23 liters/min at sea level. Heart rates during light and moderate exercise were higher than the rates observed at the same work intensity at sea level. The maximum heart rate during exercise was limited to 130–150 beats/min compared with 180–196 beats/min at sea level. The stroke volume at altitude was lower than at sea level at each work rate. On breathing oxygen at sea-level pressure, heart rate for a given work intensity was reduced; but the maximum heart rate increased. Indirect evidence suggested that maximum cardiac output increased but probably not to the sea-level values because of the increased hemoglobin and lower heart rate.

Submitted on July 29, 1963

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