Physiology of Altitude Adaptation
35 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the main physiological adaptation to altitude that improves oxygen transport capacity?

  • Reduced stroke volume
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased blood plasma volume
  • Increased hematocrit and hemoglobin concentrations (correct)

    • What happens to the blood plasma volume in the acute phase of altitude exposure?

  • It decreases due to the hypoxia-driven diuresis (correct)
  • It remains unchanged
  • It increases due to the increased fluid intake
  • It increases due to the increased blood pressure

    • What happens to the stroke volume in the long-term adaptation to altitude?

  • It stays the same as baseline
  • It remains lower than baseline
  • It rises back to baseline after a few weeks to months (correct)
  • It increases above baseline due to the increased demands of the heart

    • What is polycythemia?

    <p>An increase in red blood cell count (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At what altitude does polycythemia become significant?

    <p>Above 2500 meters (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a factor in the development of altitude sickness?

    <p>Decreased platelet count (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where are the oxygen sensing cells that initiate EPO production located?

    <p>Kidney (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is TRUE about EPO?

    <p>It peaks within 2 - 4 days after exposure to high altitude. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main consequence of increased EPO production?

    <p>Increased red blood cell production (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of red blood cells?

    <p>To carry oxygen to the tissues. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary physiological response to hypocapnia at high altitude?

    <p>Hyperventilation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition can be triggered by increasing alkalosis at high altitude?

    <p>Apnea (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common symptom of sleep disturbance at high altitude?

    <p>Nightly awakenings (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following treatments can potentially alleviate periodic breathing at high altitude?

    <p>Supplemental oxygen (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which medication has been shown to suppress apnea in a significant portion of people at high altitude?

    <p>Acetazolamide (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary mechanism by which Sildenafil 50 mg helps in reducing peripheral resistance?

    <p>Inhibits the breakdown of cyclic GMP (cGMP) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a recommended preventive measure for altitude sickness?

    <p>Increased physical exertion in the first few days at altitude (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main physiological consequence of increasing altitude on the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2)?

    <p>Decrease in PO2 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a common symptom of altitude sickness (AMS)?

    <p>Headache and nausea (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a possible reason for a decline in exercise performance at high altitude?

    <p>Increased viscosity of the blood, disrupting diffusion capacity (B), Lower air pressure and reduced oxygen availability (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the breathing pattern observed in some individuals at high altitude?

    <p>Cheyne-Stokes respiration (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential health problem associated with high altitude exposure?

    <p>Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a potential health problem associated with prolonged exposure to high altitude?

    <p>Hypothyroidism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is a trigger for periodic breathing (Cheyne-Stokes respiration) at high altitude?

    <p>Hypoxia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a factor that could influence the adaptation to altitude and athletic performance?

    <p>Individual's altitude acclimatization (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the study focusing on individuals living at the highest inhabited altitude on earth?

    <p>Expedition 5300 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What could be a potential limitation of the study on Andean highlanders living at 4340 m?

    <p>The sample size was relatively small (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the rationale behind the 'sleep high, train low' strategy?

    <p>It allows athletes to accumulate red blood cells and maintain training stimulus. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does 'sleep high, train low' create a hypoxic environment in the home environment?

    <p>By increasing the concentration of nitrogen in the air. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the minimum altitude required for hemoglobin increase with sleep high, train low training, according to the provided content?

    <p>2100 m (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the minimum duration of exposure required for hemoglobin increase with sleep high, train low training, according to the provided content?

    <p>Three weeks (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the minimum daily exposure required for hemoglobin increase with sleep high, train low training, according to the provided content?

    <p>14 hours (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the Siebenmann et al. (2012) study, what was the altitude used for the 'sleep high' portion of the 'sleep high, train low' protocol?

    <p>3'000 m (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary outcome measured in the Siebenmann et al. (2012) study regarding the effects of 'sleep high, train low' on athletes?

    <p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main conclusion of the Siebenmann et al. (2012) study regarding the effects of sleep high, train low on hemoglobin mass?

    <p>The protocol had no significant effect on hemoglobin mass. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Altitude

    The height of an object in relation to sea level or ground level.

    Erythropoietin (EPO)

    A hormone produced in the kidney that stimulates red blood cell production.

    Bone marrow function

    Site within the bones where red blood cells are produced.

    Effects of EPO

    EPO peaks within 2-4 days after secretion, increasing erythrocyte production.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Risks of high EPO

    Excess EPO can lead to increased blood viscosity, which may cause health issues.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Stroke Volume

    The amount of blood pumped by the heart with each beat.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hematocrit

    The proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hypoxia-driven Diuresis

    Increased urine output due to low oxygen levels in the body.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Acute Adaptation to Altitude

    Immediate physiological changes such as plasma volume reduction in response to high altitude.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Polycythemia

    An increase in red blood cells, often a response to living at high altitudes.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Sleep High, Train Low

    A strategy to accumulate red blood cells while training at lower altitudes.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hypoxic Environment

    A condition with low oxygen levels, often simulated at lower altitudes.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Red Blood Cell Mass

    The total volume of red blood cells in the body, important for oxygen transport.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    V̇O2max

    The maximum rate of oxygen consumption during intense exercise; a measure of aerobic fitness.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Altitude Effects

    Changes in physical performance and physiology when training or sleeping at high altitudes.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Training Duration

    The length of time one trains at altitude for optimal benefits, usually around 3 weeks.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hemoglobin Concentration

    The amount of hemoglobin in the blood; crucial for transporting oxygen.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Individual Adaptation

    The variable response of different people to altitude training protocols.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hypocapnia

    A condition characterized by reduced levels of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) in the blood.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Respiratory Alkalosis

    A condition resulting from the decrease in carbon dioxide due to hyperventilation.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Apnea

    A temporary cessation of breathing, often associated with sleep disturbances.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Periodic Breathing

    A pattern of breathing where there are periods of breathing followed by pauses.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Acetazolamide

    A medication that can suppress apnea in 50-80% of people at high altitudes.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Sildenafil's Mechanism

    Sildenafil causes vasodilation by antagonizing Ca2+, reducing peripheral resistance.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Preventive Measures for Altitude

    Slow ascent, low exertion in first few days, nifedipine for sensitive individuals.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Effects of Altitude on PO2

    Increasing altitude lowers PO2 and SaO2, affecting V̇O2max.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Live High, Train Low

    Strategy utilized to enhance performance by living at high altitudes while training at lower altitudes.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

    A condition caused by rapid ascent to high altitudes, with symptoms like headaches and nausea.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Erythrocytosis

    An excessive increase in red blood cells, often found in high altitude conditions.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Exercise performance decline

    Potential decrease in physical performance due to altitude-related factors.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Viscosity

    The thickness of blood, which can disrupt oxygen diffusion at high altitudes.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

    A life-threatening condition caused by fluid buildup in the brain due to high altitude.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

    A serious condition caused by fluid accumulation in the lungs at high altitudes.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hypoxia

    A deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues, common at high altitudes.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Exercise Physiology I - AS24

    • Topic: Hypobaric conditions - altitude
    • Learning Objectives: Students will be able to discuss physiological changes associated with altitude, describe the differences between acute and chronic physiological adaptations to altitude, discuss how these changes impact exercise performance in different populations (sea-dwellers, high-altitude natives), discuss the evidence behind high-altitude training, and reflect on risks associated with high-altitude environments.

    Levels of Altitude

    • Definitions: Provides classifications of altitude levels (low, moderate, high, extreme high) based on elevation above sea level.
    • Examples: Includes specific locations, like Miami, Denver, Mexico City, various mountain peaks (Churfirsten, Everest, Pikes Peak).
    • Data: Lists altitudes in both meters and feet above sea level.

    Famous Expeditions

    • Historical Context: Highlights notable mountaineering expeditions to Everest, emphasizing both successful and tragic ventures.
    • Notable Figures: Mentions key figures involved, although names are not essential for this summary.
    • Chronological Order: Shows the progress of expeditions throughout time, with dates referenced for each event.

    Into Thin Air

    • Book/Film Reference: Discusses the book and film "Into Thin Air" relating to the science of altitude acclimation.
    • Focus: Points out the book's focus on the science of acclimation for outdoor sports and endurance running.
    • Related Field: Establishes a relationship to endurance running and outdoor activities.

    Barometric Pressure and Oxygen Availability

    • Atmospheric Pressure Descent: Barometric pressure (Pb) decreases exponentially with altitude.
    • Oxygen Partial Pressure: Consequent decrease in partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) at altitude.
    • Impact on Oxygen Availability: Explains how lower PO2 correlates with reduced oxygen availability for individuals in various high-altitude environments.

    Consequences of Reduced PO2 - The Fick Equation

    • Fick Equation Application: Presents the Fick equation to explain implications of reduced partial oxygen pressure on gas exchange.
    • Equation Components: Identifies components like gas exchange surface area, Krogh diffusion coefficient, and layer thickness in the equation.
    • Relationship Clarification: Shows how a decreased PO2 directly affects gas exchange efficiency per the Fick equation.

    Change in Diffusion Gradient

    • Diffusion Gradient: Outlines the changes in the diffusion gradient of oxygen at various altitude levels.
    • Gas Exchange: Demonstrates the different oxygen pressures between the lungs and blood as altitude increases.
    • Measurements: Shows quantitative data like different oxygen pressures in inspired, alveolar, and blood and various levels of altitude.

    Levels of Altitude – Full Picture

    • Comprehensive Overview: Provides a detailed table summarizing altitude levels (low, moderate, high, and extreme high) and associated parameters.
    • Key Data: Includes relevant data like altitude (in meters and feet), barometric pressure (in mmHg), oxygen percentage in the air, partial pressure of oxygen, and typical temperature.

    Hypobaric vs. Normobaric Hypoxia

    • Distinction: Distinguishes between hypobaric hypoxia (reduced ambient pressure with 21% oxygen) and normobaric hypoxia (normal ambient pressure with reduced oxygen percentage).

    Adaptation and Acclimatization to Altitude

    • Acute Adaptations: Physiological changes happening in the first hours to days.
    • Chronic Adaptations: Longer-term physiological adjustments (weeks and months).
    • Altitude Sickness: Discusses different types of mountain sickness (AMS, HAPE, HACE).
    • Individual Variations: Emphasizes how reactions to altitude exposure vary based on individual factors.
    • Acclimatization Limits: Highlights the limited potential for full acclimatization above certain altitudes (typically ~2500 m).

    The Fick Equation Revisited

    • Equation Definition: Explicitly defines the Fick equation, highlighting its key components.

    Adaptations to Altitude Factors

    • Ventilation Changes (Acute): Outlines how acute exposure to altitude triggers an increase in ventilation due to chemoreceptor activation.
    • Ventilation Changes (Chronic): Explains that chronic adaptation leads to increased minute ventilation, even at rest.
    • O2 Binding Curve Shift: Outlines how the shift in the O2-binding curve in response to the changed oxygen partial pressure.
    • Hypoxia-Related Disorders: Cites specific altitude-linked health problems including sleep disturbance, AMS, HACE, and HAPE, along with their potential causes and associated symptoms.

    Sleep Disturbance in Altitude

    • Hypoxia and Hyperventilation: Highlights how hypoxia triggers an initial hyperventilation phase, leading to an abnormal sleep pattern characterized by cyclical events of apnea.
    • Treatments: Mentions methods for treating periodic breathing, like supplemental oxygen and acetazolamide.

    Sleep Disturbance in Altitude – Different Aspects

    • Nightly Arousals Increase: Data shows that sleep is impacted negatively by altitude, due to increased respiratory arousals.

    AMS – Assessment/Diagnosis

    • Lake Louise Score: Outlines the Lake Louise Acute Mountain Sickness Score for assessing the severity of AMS symptoms.

    AMS: Risk Factors and Prevention

    • Risk Factors: Identifies characteristics that increase an individual's susceptibility to AMS.
    • Prevention: Highlights methods for mitigating risk (slow ascent, avoidance of drugs and excessive alcohol).

    Selection of Guidelines for Ascents (Summary)

    • Recommendations for Ascent Rates: Tables summarize guidelines for altitude ascent rates (daily increase and rest period recommendations) from various organizations and researchers.

    AMS and HACE: Pathophysiology

    • Neurological Effects: Emphasizes that altered brain function plays a vital role in the development of both AMS and HACE.
    • Mechanism Description: Provides a detailed explanation of the physiological mechanisms that lead to these ailments.

    High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

    • Acute Severity: Highlights the potentially fatal nature of HACE and the critical need for rapid intervention.
    • Symptoms: Outlines symptoms of HACE.
    • Treatment: Emphasizes urgent descent as a primary treatment.

    High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

    • Respiratory Distress: Outlines predisposing factors to HAPE.
    • Symptoms: Describes symptoms, often including noticeable difficulty breathing.
    • Pathophysiology: Describes the suggested physiological mechanisms.

    Methods for Acclimation and Training

    • Live High, Train High: Presents study examples and conclusions, regarding this method of altitude training.
    • Live High, Train Low: Presents study examples and conclusions, regarding this method of altitude training.
    • Sleep High, Train Low: Presents study examples and conclusions, regarding this method of altitude training.
    • Non-aerobic Exercise: Explains that certain types of non-aerobic exercise are not impacted by altitude.
    • Substrate Utilization: Discusses how carbohydrate utilization may be more efficient during exercise in hypobaric conditions.
    • Oxygen Binding Curve Shift: Outlines the shift in the oxygen-binding curve, which is affected by altitude, indicating how acclimatization has an impact.
    • High Level Natives: Highlights that high-altitude natives show traits to acclimatize in a better way than sea level individuals.

    Questions for Further Study

    • Discuss the specific adaptations in muscle physiology associated with chronic high-altitude exposure.
    • Explain the role of erythropoietin (EPO) and genetic factors in high-altitude acclimatization.
    • Analyze the long-term effects of high-altitude living on cardiovascular function.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Exercise Physiology I - AS24 Hypobaric Conditions PDF

    Description

    Test your knowledge on physiological adaptations to high altitude in this quiz. Explore topics such as oxygen transport, changes in blood plasma volume, and the implications of EPO production. Prepare to delve into the effects of altitude on the human body and related health conditions.

    More Like This

    High Altitude Physiology Quiz
    24 questions

    High Altitude Physiology Quiz

    WellInformedPurple avatar
    WellInformedPurple
    Fisiología de Alturas Elevadas
    40 questions

    Fisiología de Alturas Elevadas

    ImaginativeTropicalIsland5065 avatar
    ImaginativeTropicalIsland5065
    Regulation of Breathing
    5 questions

    Regulation of Breathing

    FruitfulIntegral avatar
    FruitfulIntegral
    Physiological Responses to Altitude and Microgravity
    50 questions

    Physiological Responses to Altitude and Microgravity

    FortuitousXenon avatar
    FortuitousXenon
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser