Altitude influence on Health

Altitude influence on Health

Cellular mercury release, and
chronic illness considerations.



http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic22.htm
Altitude Illness - Cerebral Syndromes
Last Updated: May 16, 2003

Synonyms and related keywords: acute mountain sickness, AMS, mal de montagne, soroche, high-altitude cerebral edema, HACE


Pathophysiology:
Rapid ascent to high altitude overtaxes the body's ability to tolerate the decreasing availability of oxygen. The cerebral forms of altitude illness appear to be due to hypoxia-induced changes in blood-brain barrier permeability, which results in a vasogenic brain edema.


Mortality/Morbidity:
AMS is a self-limiting disease and generally resolves in 1-5 days. HACE may be fatal within 1-2 days unless treated by immediate descent. Recovery is usually complete, although in very rare cases, patients with either severe or prolonged HACE may have persistent neurological deficits. A small percentage of very ill patients may die even with proper treatment (i.e., descent, oxygen, steroids).


History:
AMS and HACE occur in the context of a recent ascent to altitudes higher than about 2500 m (8,200 ft). Additionally, patients often have a history of rapid ascent, with sleeping elevations increased by more than 300 m (1,000 ft) per night above 3000 m (9,800 ft). Patients frequently lack the spontaneous diuresis normally seen at altitude.

Normal effects of exposure to altitude include the following:
Exertional dyspnea
Spontaneous diuresis
Nocturnal periodic breathing (e.g., Cheyne-Stokes respirations)
Frequent awakening at night
Weird or vivid dreams

In the context of a recent ascent, the diagnosis of AMS is implied by headache plus at least 1 of the following symptoms:
Gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., anorexia, nausea, vomiting)
Light-headedness or dizziness
Weakness or fatigue
Insomnia

Diagnosis of HACE is implied by the following criteria:
Ascent with symptoms of AMS is the most common history.
HACE may evolve after a very rapid ascent despite the absence of AMS. In this context "rapid ascent" means significantly more than the recommended 300 meters (1,000 ft) per day; the actual ascent rate in meters per hour probably is not important.

HACE commonly occurs after the onset of severe high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), probably due to severe hypoxemia. Confusion, lassitude, and other mental status changes implied by patient's history could indicate HACE.
History of gait ataxia may be a sign of HACE.



Physical:
Acute mountain sickness (AMS)
Patients appear ill but otherwise have no characteristic physical findings. Neurologic examination results (especially mental status and gait) are normal. Cardiac rate does not correlate with acclimatization or AMS.
Pulmonary crackles may be present in some patients.
Fever is absent.
High-altitude cerebral edema
Suspect the diagnosis in a patient with symptoms of AMS who develops gait ataxia (i.e., unable to walk heel-to-toe in a straight line) or mental status changes.
Regardless of AMS symptoms, a combination of ataxia and mental status changes suggests HACE.

... In rare cases, focal neurologic signs (i.e., cranial nerve III palsy, cranial nerve VI palsy) appear in end-stage HACE, although they are more suggestive of other causes of focal deficits at altitude (e.g., stroke, transient ischemic attack [TIA], migraine, brain neoplasm).


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http://www.emedicine.com/EMERG/topic795.htm
Altitude Illness - Pulmonary Syndromes
Last Updated: May 16, 2003

Synonyms and related keywords: high-altitude pulmonary edema, HAPE, high-altitude cough, high-altitude bronchitis, high-altitude cerebral edema, HACE

Pathophysiology:
HAPE is a noncardiogenic pulmonary edema.
... the disease is thought to be caused by patchy hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (likely due to local shunting response to hypoxia) with consequent localized overperfusion combined with hypoxic permeability of pulmonary capillary walls. These changes result in high pulmonary artery pressure, high permeability, and leak into the alveoli. HAPE is quite distinct from other forms of pulmonary edema and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).


Mortality/Morbidity:
HAPE may be fatal within a few hours unless treated by descent or oxygen, and it is the most common cause of death related to high altitude. As with high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), recovery is usually complete, although, even with proper treatment (i.e., oxygen, prompt descent), a small percentage of very ill patients die. Patients who recover have rapid clearing of edematous fluid and do not develop fibrosis or other long-term sequelae.

High-altitude cough may be disabling at altitude because of paroxysmal coughing, chest pain from intercostal muscle strains and/or cough-induced rib fractures, and insomnia. High-altitude cough resolves with descent.


History:
HAPE occurs in the context of a recent ascent to altitudes higher than about 2500 m (8,200 ft). Additionally, patients often have a history of rapid ascent, with sleeping elevations increased by more than 300 m (1,000 ft) per night above 3000 m (9,800 ft). Patients frequently lack the spontaneous diuresis normally seen at altitude.

Normal effects of altitude exposure include the following:
Exertional dyspnea
Spontaneous diuresis
Nocturnal periodic breathing (e.g., Cheyne-Stokes respirations)
Frequent awakening at night
Weird or vivid dreams

HAPE occurs in the first 2-4 days of ascent to a new elevation, most often on the second night. HAPE typically worsens at night. The diagnosis requires 2 or more of the signs listed under Physical as well as 2 of the symptoms from the following list.

Weakness, fatigue, or decreased exercise performance (most common and often the earliest sign)
Cough
Dyspnea at rest
Chest tightness or congestion
High-altitude cough
Paroxysmal cough, sometimes forceful enough to fracture 1 or more ribs
Frequently productive of purulent sputum
Absence of fever
Absence of dyspnea at rest
May lead to compromise of the airway

Physical Diagnosis:
In addition to 2 or more of the previously listed symptoms, HAPE is diagnosed by presence of at least 2 of the following signs:
Crackles or wheezing in at least 1 lung field
Central cyanosis or significant arterial oxygen desaturation relative to altitude
Tachycardia
Tachypnea

Other findings in HAPE may include the following:
Fever (relatively common)
Orthopnea
Pink/frothy sputum (a late finding)
High-altitude cough
No fever
Lungs are clear to auscultation
No cyanosis or desaturation

Causes:
High-altitude pulmonary edema
Rapid ascent
More risk at higher altitudes
Low hypoxic ventilatory response
Cold exposure (raises pulmonary artery pressure)
Physical exertion (exacerbates the condition)
Congenital absence of right pulmonary artery
High-altitude cough
Unknown etiology
Potential causes - Dry or cold air, bronchospasm, altered cough sensitivity Worse at higher altitudes



3


http://www.outdoorplaces.com/Features/Mountain/altitude/page1.htm
OutdoorPlaces.com,
Altitude Basics, 101

Performing all forms of outdoor activity becomes an increasing challenge as altitude increases. Contrary to popular belief, your ability to perform at higher altitude is tied less to your physical condition, and tied more to your genetic stock. Certain medical conditions such as asthma and high blood pressure can be aggravated by altitude. If you use a little common sense and do some preparation, you will find that you will be able to perform most outdoor activities all the way to 15,000 feet with little discomfort and medical problems.


Sea Level to 3,500 Feet (1068 metres)
A vast majority of the North American population lives in this altitude range. Most people, except for those with extreme cardiopulmonary disorders can perform almost any activity at this level. People who live at sea level will experience almost no noticeable ill effects when moving within this altitude range where the air pressure is around 12 psi (pounds per square inch).


3,500 Feet to 6,000 Feet (1830 metres)
Most people of ordinary health will have little problems at this altitude. People who reside in areas that are below 2,500 feet may start to notice some breathing difficulty as they move above the 5,000 feet mark. People who have cardiopulmonary disorders may have serious problems in this altitude range and should consult a physician before visiting or engaging in outdoor sporting activity. Women who are pregnant may also experience problems at this altitude due to the increased demand for oxygen that the fetus puts on their systems.


6,000 Feet to 10,000 Feet (3050 metres)
In this altitude range some people may start to experience problems related to altitude. AMS, or Acute Mountain Sickness symptoms may set in at any altitude above 6,000 feet. At 10,000 feet, the atmosphere is only 50% of that found at sea level. Breathing can become difficult, even for those in good physical condition. Women who are pregnant and people with cardiopulmonary disorders should consult a physician before spending any time at these altitudes.


10,000 Feet to 14,000 Feet (4270 metres)
Once you get above 10,000 feet the oxygen content in the atmosphere has reached levels that can be dangerously thin. Not only is AMS a possibility, but the risk of HAPE or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema greatly increases over 12,000 feet. To put this in proper perspective, private pilots who fly over 10,000 feet are required to use supplemental oxygen. Most people that do mountaineering will climb in these altitudes. Pregnant women, children under the age of two, and people who have cardiopulmonary disorders should not go above 10,000 feet in altitude. Serious medical complications can occur in this range.


14,000 Feet to 18,000 Feet (5490 metres)
Above 14,000 feet, a person enters an extreme altitude. The atmosphere can be only 40% of that found at sea level, and air pressure can drop to below 10 psi, causing physiological stress on the body. AMS, HAPE, and HACE or High Altitude Cerebral Edema can all be experienced in this altitude range. Typically in North America, only extreme mountaineers will exceed these altitudes for any period of time. This altitude range can be dangerous for any one, even those in good physical condition.


18,000 Feet and Above
Altitude above 18,000 feet is also called, “the death zone.” As the air pressure falls to as low as 7 psi, the body, even with supplemental oxygen literally starts to die. The severe onset of HAPE and HACE can occur at these altitudes and AMS symptoms are almost continuously experienced. Only highly experienced mountaineers should venture into these altitudes, and a constant vigil has to be made for HAPE and HACE symptoms, with a focus on HACE symptoms as part of the symptoms for HACE is clouded judgment.


4


http://www.actionsites.com/village/village.htm
A corner of paradise
Welcome to Le Village Catalan.

Whether you prefer an activity holiday, nature and culture holiday, relaxation, spa treatment, or a language course, you will find our village to be an ideal base.

General information
Le Village Catalan is a small village of 12 houses in the microclimatic foothills of snow-capped Canigou in the Pyrenees, between the ski resorts and the Mediterranean. It is known to have the best climate in France, with an average 300 days of sunshine per year, and it is rich on history, culture and natural beauty.

In the past Vernet-les-Bains has been the favoured health resort of the British aristocracy, witnessed by the extravagant architecture of the casino and the parks. Europe’s largest wilderness area, the Pyrenees start just behind the village, with excellent opportunities for leisure activities, from hiking through mountain biking and fishing. A nearby waterfall has been named after the British - Cascades des Anglais. Famous Carcassonne, the tax free mini state Andorra, Spain and the Mediterranean beaches can be reached on day-trips.

Our little village is situated 5 minutes walk from Vernet-les-Bains centre, with all facilities - shops, restaurants and cafés, a sports centre, casino, thermal spa . Le Village Catalan comprises one, two and three bedroom houses on two levels, containing lounge with wooden beams and fireplace, kitchen, bathroom and all are equipped with simple but robust furnishing.

The architecture is medieval Catalan, but built as recent as 1965-1975 - it took ten years to build - and partly refurbished in 1998-2003. Each house is different and half the houses are built in granite stone. Each house has a private, sunny terrace with spectacular, unobstructible views of Vernet Les Bains, the valleys and the mountains. Six of the houses also have a private courtyard.

Contact us by email, phone (+33) 4 6805 6571,
UK freephone 0800 652 1255, fax (+44) (0) 709 208 7367
or Internet fax (+1) 775-254-1421

We speak English - Vi taler dansk - On parle francais - Wir sprechen deutsch


5


http://www.home-in-wiler.ch/switzerland/wiler
Home in Wiler, Switzerland.
Resort Development

Living at an altitude of 2000 metres in Switzerland - skiing at up to 3111 metres. We are building exclusive chalets and apartments right next to the ski slope in Wiler, Valais (Lötschental, 1 hour south of Berne)! With a unique mountain panorama. You can live the chalets and apartments all over the year.

We are building exclusive, comfortably furnished chalets and apartments adjacent to the cable car station at 2000 meters, with a clear view of the mountain panorama that is guaranteed into the future. The sympathetic architecture fits in with the traditional housing structure of the Alpine pasture regions and meets individual requirements in respect of comfort. Scattered around in the neighbourhood are further chalets and mountain restaurants. A new clubhouse with restaurant and bar is planned.

From November 2003, a cable car runs up to 3111 meters. A choice of 4 types of chalets and 6 types of apartments is anticipated (see above). Construction has already begun. The first show house is now ready to be visited or purchased immediately.


6


http://www.bartlett.net.au/pac/pac.html
C. E. Bartlett Pty. Ltd
Portable Altitude Chamber

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
As we ascend above 2500 metres (8000 feet) our bodies must acclimatise to the decreasing amount of oxygen available. Failure to acclimatise can result in AMS.

The symptoms of AMS may include any of the following: headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, cough, dizziness, blurred vision, vomiting, etc. The intensity and severity of these symptoms will vary, but can very quickly become extremely serious and even fatal.

The only treatment for AMS is to descend to a lower altitude.

However, there are many situations where immediate descent is difficult if not impossible, due to the hazards of weather, lack of manpower, difficult terrain or geography such as a plateau.


The pressure chamber concept has been around for 20 years or more, yet the majority of trekkers and mountaineers going to high altitudes do so without this essential piece of safety equipment. The PAC is an Australian product, aimed at trekking groups, both private and commercial, as well as expeditions to high altitude. It is an answer to the need for an effective, simple, durable, lightweight and affordable pressure chamber for the treatment of AMS.

Effective
PAC technology has been shown to be highly effective in the reversal of symptoms of AMS. Depending on the starting altitude, simulated descents of about 2000 metres (6000 feet) are achieved at the operating pressure of 2 PSI above ambient pressure.

Simple
The PAC has been designed to be as simple to operate as possible. One operator can perform a complete treatment cycle on their own. A summary of the instructions found in the operator's manual are printed on the PAC itself, while all the valves are clearly labelled to avoid confusion.

Light
The PAC, all up with pump, hose, manual repair kit and storage bag weighs in at less than 8 kgs.

PAC technology buys time and can stabilise or reverse severe symptoms of AMS before (or while) descent is undertaken.

Treksafe
Australia
Ph: +61 2 6653 4241 Fax: +61 2 6653 4130
Email: pac@treksafe.com.au

Kathmandu Contact:
Sherpa Expeditions
Ph/Fax: 4219924
Email: sherpa@expdtn.wlink.com.np
Visit our website for more information
http://www.treksafe.com.au


7


http://www.nutranews.org/fra/index.php?articleid=1474
Nutrition of the Sportsman
The Omega-3 fatty acids of the performance
[ English version is not available, so a simple paraphrase is below. See the original for more detail.]


"The Fatty Acids Polyinsaturés: Essential for health ".
...

INFLUENCE PHYSICAL EXERCISE AND HYPOXIA ON BLOOD FLUIDITY:
[ Blood thickness is inversely dependent upon the membrane rigidity of the blood cells, which is conversely dependent on the rigidity of double-layered lipidic of the membrane of the red globule. A rise in saturated fatty acid connections lowers the number of non-saturated double connections and contributes to cell rigidity.]

[ Endurance exercises increases the rigidity of the red blood cells, providing an increase in the thickness of the blood. Hypoxia (lowered oxygen volume) of altitude reduces plasmic volume and induces a reduction in the thickness of the blood.]

[ Increases in duration and intensity of exercise together with increases in altitude, increases saturated fatty acid presence and decreases polyunsaturated fatty acids -- acid arachidonic (omega-6), EPA and DHA (omega-3). This increases membrane saturation with the amount of omega-6 and omega-3 correlating with an increase in red blood cell membrane rigidity. (similar in influence to an increase in cholesterol presence) and reducing the blood capacity to absorb and retain oxygen.]

[ During prolonged exercise, and at higher altitudes, blood cell changes produce reduced capillary efficiency, particularly in the lungs, liver, and spleen and reduced ability to carry and transfer oxygen to peripheral tissues. This induces an anaemia of iron deficiency by rupture of the red blood cells in the capillaries, under the effect of the rise in the cardiac flow and the blood pressure. ]


INFLUENCE of FISH OIL ABSORPTION ON PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE
...

[ Supplementation of diet with fish oil (omega-3 = tuna, salmon, sardines, mackerel, lake trout, walnuts, pecans, almonds) suppresses the harmful blood fluidity changes encouraged by endurance exercises and high altitudes.]

...

[ Fish oils reduce capillary resistance to oxygen uptake and increase blood circulation to peripheral areas. The efficiency of oxygen transfer from blood to muscle cells is enhanced by a reduction in tissue rigidity and an increase in red blood cell presence at the capillaries.]

[ At higher altitudes and during endurance exercises, fish oils increase the oxygen desaturation of the haemoglobin, and, increases the blood concentration of lactic acid ... the consequence of metabolism of glucose (stored energy in cellular sugars). Also, adrenalin receptors on the cellular surfaces are sensitised by the addition of omega-3 ( = tuna, salmon, sardines, mackerel, lake trout, walnuts, pecans, almonds) fish oils making glucose metabolism easier and faster.]


PRACTICAL CONSEQUENCES
[ For altitudes over 2000 m and for high endurance activities, a supplementation of 250 g of omega-3 fish oils 3 to 5 times per week ( = tuna, salmon, sardines, mackerel, lake trout, walnuts, pecans, almonds) is beneficial. To avoid a vitamin E deficiency from arising from the exercise and the additional polyunsaturated fatty acids, a supplementation with vitamin E is required. These changes will provide for better performance.]


COMMENT
Release of mercury from cellular binding can be enhanced by remaining at an altitude of 1800 to 2000 metres (5,800 to 6,400 feet) for a period of not less than 1 week with an early daily fluctuation by travel down to 0 to 100 metres and return within 4 to 6 hours. The early fluctuations encourage greater permeability of the cell wall for the release of mercury and other toxins. Living at the reduced pressure altitude facilitates the release of these toxins from the cells.

It can be fatal to not be aware of the hazards/cautions and to ignore their significance. Detoxing too quickly can induce severe symptoms, panic response, and acute depression. Pacing is imperative.


HAZARDS / CAUTIONS
The reduced air pressure fluctuation pattern and the moderate term higher altitude living arrangement is best NOT to be considered or acted upon UNLESS the individual either has accurate access to Spiritual Guidance and has been guided to take this action, OR, has been cleared by their physician who is aware of the potential health difficulties and challenges.

IF your are aware that you have a low heart function (below 60% efficiency) and/or low lung function (below 60% efficiency), the likelihood of you experiencing altitude illness symptoms at the 1800 to 2000 metre (5,800 to 6,400 feet) level is HIGH.

High cholesterol level and/or low blood pressure can be equally contributing factors to hypoxia and altitude sickness. It is imperative to remain self-directed and calm and take measures and supplements as indicated by Spiritual Guidance or accurate muscle testing if the symptoms are not to increase in severity due to panic.

IF you are aware that you likely have residual mercury cellular loading, systemic or organ specific cellular contamination by fungi, bacterial, or FUIRERIA parasitic forms ... EXPECT that you will experience severe symptoms of their presence and release.

Tobacco smoke, air pollution, certain toxic chemicals, some drugs and dry air (common at higher altitudes) all serve to decrease the healthy activity of the cilia of the respiratory tract and increase the likelihood of local viruses gaining entry further into the human body than would be possible with a less compromised lifesystem.

Ensure that you have an adequate range and quantity of supplements for the detoxing of these contaminations from your blood and lymph, or, your health will be endangered to a severe or fatal level. Do NOT expect local physicians and health care workers to understand these dynamics or have constructive and effective ways of treating the symptoms beyond telling you to stay at lower altitudes.

Supplements from which benefit are more often to be gained include:

  • hawthorn extract (tincture) - heart;
  • Evening primrose oil (detoxer);
  • Hot cayenne in capsule (circulation);
  • Coenzyme Q10 (heart and circulation);
  • Maca herb in capsules (energy and stamina);
  • Gingko Biloba (brain circulation);
  • Quercetin bioflavanoid complex (anti-histaminic).

Arnica tincture or arnica homeopathic tablets will benefit some individuals. As always, check with Spiritual Guidance or by muscle testing for personal relevancy. Some personality types will NOT benefit from some supplements; some blood types are disadvantaged by some supplements.

Cinnamon has been demonstrated to reduce cholesterol influence with almost all persons.


The use of passive aerobic exercise methods (i.e. The Chi Machine) will increase oxygen availability and transport or the cells. If living near or above 2000 m and experiencing periodic altitude sickness, the use of the Chi Machine can reduce the symptoms. This could also assist in reducing the symptoms of poor heart and/or lung efficiency, and/or arteriosclerosis at lower altitudes.

A reduction of the oxygen starvation influence of mercury/lead poisoning, fungal and bacterial infections, worm and fluke infestations, and, viral attacks -- can also be reduced by the use of the Chi Machine. Alternatively, usage of the Chi Machine can be restricted by one's Identity elements, energy blocks, and structural integration.



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