OBJECTIVE: The interaction of 15 variables representing physical characteristics, previous altitude exposure, and ascent data was analyzed to determine their contribution to acute mountain sickness (AMS). METHODS: Questionnaires were obtained from 359 volunteers upon reaching the summit of Mt Whitney (4419 m). Heart rate and arterial oxygen saturation were measured with a pulse oximeter, and AMS was identified by Lake Louise Self-Assessment scoring. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant protective and risk factors for AMS. RESULTS: Thirty-three percent of the sample met the criteria for AMS. The odds of experiencing AMS were greater for those who reported a previous altitude illness (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.00, P < .01) or who were taking analgesics during the ascent (adjusted OR = 2.09, P < .01). Odds for AMS decreased with increasing age (adjusted OR = 0.82, P < .0001), a greater number of climbs above 3000 m in the past month (adjusted OR = 0.92, P < .05), and use of acetazolamide during the ascent (adjusted OR = 0.33, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The significant determinants of AMS on the summit of Mt Whitney were age, a history of altitude illness, number of climbs above 3000 m in the past month, and use of acetazolamide and analgesics during ascent.
OBJECTIVE: The interaction of 15 variables representing physical characteristics, previous altitude exposure, and ascent data was analyzed to determine their contribution to acute mountain sickness (AMS). METHODS: Questionnaires were obtained from 359 volunteers upon reaching the summit of Mt Whitney (4419 m). Heart rate and arterial oxygen saturation were measured with a pulse oximeter, and AMS was identified by Lake Louise Self-Assessment scoring. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant protective and risk factors for AMS. RESULTS: Thirty-three percent of the sample met the criteria for AMS. The odds of experiencing AMS were greater for those who reported a previous altitude illness (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.00, P < .01) or who were taking analgesics during the ascent (adjusted OR = 2.09, P < .01). Odds for AMS decreased with increasing age (adjusted OR = 0.82, P < .0001), a greater number of climbs above 3000 m in the past month (adjusted OR = 0.92, P < .05), and use of acetazolamide during the ascent (adjusted OR = 0.33, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The significant determinants of AMS on the summit of Mt Whitney were age, a history of altitude illness, number of climbs above 3000 m in the past month, and use of acetazolamide and analgesics during ascent.
Authors: Brian H West; Rubine Gevorgyan Fleming; Bashar Al Hemyari; Pooya Banankhah; Kenneth Meyer; Leslie H Rozier; Linda S Murphy; Alexandra C Coluzzi; Joshua L Rusheen; Preetham Kumar; David Elashoff; Jonathan M Tobis Journal: Am J Cardiol Date: 2019-03-18 Impact factor: 2.778
Authors: Charles B Duke; T Douglas Sallade; Jennifer Starling; Sushil Pant; Alison Sheets; Matthew K McElwee; David S Young; Richard Andrew Taylor; Linda E Keyes Journal: Wilderness Environ Med Date: 2020-03-21 Impact factor: 1.518
Authors: Gabriel Willmann; M Dominik Fischer; Andreas Schatz; Kai Schommer; Andre Messias; Eberhart Zrenner; Karl U Bartz-Schmidt; Florian Gekeler Journal: PLoS One Date: 2011-11-01 Impact factor: 3.240