[The effect of altitude factors on the human body].

Abstract

Negative consequences of the impact of alpine factors on the body of man are described. Alpine acute lung edema is one of the dangerous diseases that may develop under alpine conditions. This may affect not only beginners but also aborigines of the mountains, who return to the places they come from after a temporary stay in lowlands. Acute brain edema is regarded as no less severe condition. It may occur in about 1.2% of the people who climb to a height of 4500-5000 m. Primary alpine pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic alpine cor pulmonale are fairly prevalent under alpine conditions.