Comparison of physiological responses to hypoxia at high altitudes between highlanders and lowlanders.

Abstract

This report deals with the differences and changes of physiological functions of the highlanders and the lowlanders at different altitudes during the period when the Chinese Mountaineering Team was climbing up and reached the peak of Qomolangma Feng. In a period of relaxation, there are no significant changes in ventilatory responsiveness to hypercapnia, electrocardiogram and electroencephalogram between highlanders and lowlanders with the changes at different altitudes. At 5,000 m a.s.l., however, electrocardiogram and the result of cardiac ventricular functional test show significant differences after the subjects are physically loaded. Those whose electrocardiogram readings show unusual changes, and whose cardiac ventricular functional tests show their physiological functions at low degree after physical activities at the altitude of 5,000 m, have a climbing ability hardly below 6,500 m, while those who have reached the altitudes above 8,200 m have no unusual changes in electrocardiogram, and the results of cardiac ventricular functional tests show that their physiological functions are at high degree.