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When ascending to high altitudes, the body undergoes several physiological changes due to the decreased atmospheric oxygen (PiO2). This section details the immediate and chronic responses to high altitude, including changes in ventilation, erythropoiesis, and cellular adaptations.
Acute Physiological Changes | Effect |
---|---|
Decreased PiO2 and PaO2 | Lower oxygen availability |
Increased Ventilation | Hyperventilation, leading to respiratory alkalosis |
Decreased PaCO2 | Contributes to respiratory alkalosis |
Altitude Sickness | Symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness |
Chronic Physiological Changes | Effect |
---|---|
Increased Ventilation | Sustained hyperventilation |
Increased Erythropoietin | Higher Hct and Hb, improving oxygen transport |
Increased 2,3-BPG | Enhanced oxygen release from hemoglobin |
Cellular Adaptations | Increased mitochondrial density |
Increased Renal Excretion of HCO3− | Compensation for respiratory alkalosis |
Pulmonary Hypertension | Resulting from chronic hypoxic vasoconstriction; may lead to RVH |