Studies of blood pH and blood gases of humans under moderate and high altitude stress: effect of acetazolamide supplementation

Abstract

Studies have been carried out on blood pH, Pco2, Po2, (HCO‐3), sodium and potassium levels of 30 human subjects at a moderate and at a high altitude in the north eastern Himalayan range. Blood pH was found to be increased, whereas Po2 and PCo2 levels decreased appreciably under high altitude stress. However, no significant change was observed in plasma bicarbonate level. Plasma sodium level was found to be lowered, while that of potassium level was raised at high altitude in comparison to the moderate altitude. Treatment with acetazolamide was found to be effective in lowering blood pH, Pco2 (HCO‐3) and plasma potassium level at high altitude, while PO2 level increased in comparison to the placebo group. On return of the subjects from high to moderate altitude, the studied parameters reverted to the initial moderate altitude base data.