Effect of oxygen upon pulmonary circulation in acclimatized man at high altitude

Abstract

The response to breathing 100% oxygen was studied in 26 acclimatized residents of the Peruvian Andes at altitudes of 12,300 and 14,200 ft. Arterial oxygen saturation increased from 86% to 96%. Mean pulmonary artery pressure decreased by 5 mm Hg and cardiac output did not change. Calculated pulmonary arteriolar resistance was lowered. Pulmonary artery pressure during oxygen breathing was not decreased to normal values observed at sea level. The data suggest the presence of two factors responsible for the increase in pulmonary arteriolar resistance at high altitude: 1) hypoxic vasoconstriction which is reversed by oxygen breathing and 2) anatomic alterations which are not affected by oxygen breathing. Oxygen breathing at high altitude also produced a slowing of the heart rate and increased the relative height of the secondary or tidal wave of the brachial arterial pressure pulse. pulmonary arteriolar resistance and 100% oxygen; arterial pulse contour–effect of 100% oxygen at high altitude; pulmonary arteriolar resistance–nature of in high altitude; hypoxic vasoconstriction at high altitude–reversal by 100% oxygen breathing; oxygen breathing–comparison of effect on pulmonary circulation at high altitude and sea level Submitted on May 8, 1964