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

Abstract

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. basal respiration; acclimatized men; high altitude (5,800 m) Submitted on March 30, 1964