Basal metabolism and respiration in men living at 5,800 m (19,000 ft)

¹ Division of Human Physiology, National Institute for Medical Research, Medical Research Council Laboratories, Hampstead, London, England

Respiratory determinations were carried out on eight members of the Himalayan Scientific and Mountaineering Expedition 1960–1961 and three Sherpas during a prolonged stay at 5,800 m (19,000 ft). Ventilation and oxygen uptake were similar in both groups, although the Sherpas were smaller men. The Sherpas had lower alveolar ventilation, higher Pa_COCO2 and lower Pa_OO2 values than the scientists. Among six of the scientists mean basal metabolic rate was 10% above the mean value predicted from sea-level standards. There was no increase in the two others, who did not acclimatize. The mean basal metabolic rate in the three Sherpas was +21%. The findings were not explained by the extra O₂ cost of increased breathing, changes in body composition, or exposure to cold, although this may have been a factor in the Sherpas. The results were similar to recent South American data on residents at 4,540 m (14,900 ft). It was concluded that acclimatization to great altitudes in man is associated with increase in basal metabolism, but there is insufficient evidence as to whether this is a response to hypoxia or other environmental factors.

Submitted on March 30, 1964

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