Famous Peaks
This peak used to be call Mt McKinley
Denali
What is the cause of altitude illness?
Hypobaric hypoxia
What is the dose of Diamox for prevention?
125mg BID
What is the current recommendation for total altitude gained during each day of ascent?
<500m (~1500ft)
What is the definitive treatment for altitude illness?
Descent ya friggin' dummy
What is the tallest mountain in the continental US?
Mt Whitney at 14,500'
After a month or so at a given altitude we begin to increase our hemoglobin. What immediate effects does altitude have on our physiology?
Increased RR, increased HR, decreased plasma volume,
Besides increased urination, what is the most commonly reported side effect of Diamox?
tingling at the tips of fingers/toes as well as perioral tingling.
How often should someone rest during their ascent?
Every 3-4 days
How far should someone descend if they are experiencing symptoms of severe AMS or HAPE/HACE
Aconcagua is located within which mountain range?
The Andes
Those with a brisk HVR (hypoxic ventilatory response) will do worse or better at altitude?
Better
What is the mechanism by which Diamox works?
Bicarb diuresis causing a relative metabolic acidosis which in turn causes hyperventilation therefore increasing oxygen exchange.
What medication shows no benefit in preventing HAPE?
Diamox
What is a reasonable SpO2% goal when giving someone supplemental O2 who is suffering from AMS/HAPE/HACE?
greater than or equal to 90%
Mt Everest is approximately 29,000ft high. How high is K2?
Approximately 28,200ft.
What organ is highly involved with our HVR (hypoxic ventilatory response)?
carotid body
How do phosphodiesterase inhibitors like Tidalafil and Sildenafil treat HAPE?
inhibit cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase therefore increasing nitric oxide causing venodilation which in turn decreased pulmonary hypertension
Besides gradual ascent and various pharmacologic agents, what is another way to help prevent altitude illness?
Pre-acclimatization with hypoxic tents or intermittent hypoxic exercise as well as spending 5-7 days at moderate altitude before your ascent.
What is the only medication that has been shown to work for both the prevention and treatment of AMS, HAPE, and HACE?
Dexamethasone
What year did Sir Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay summit Everest?
1953
What transcription factor/gene is thought to be the "master switch" involved with physiologic changes to altitude?
HIF-1 (Hypoxia Inducible Factors)
What is the RADICAL trial currently evaluating in regards to Diamox use in the prevention of AMS?
It looking to see if 62.5mg is equivalent to 125mg for prevention as before 250mg was used as both treatment and prevention until it was found that 125mg is just as good with less side effects.
What medication is recommended in Auerbach for prevention of HAPE but NOT recommended in the updated WMS guidelines?
Salmeterol (high doses with high side effects with minimal improvment, side effects outweigh the possible benefits)
A fully inflated gamow bag is inflated to what PSI?
2 psi