Cardiopulmonary Assessment of Middle Aged  Males at High Altitude and its Correlation with  Exercise

Dr. M. Bhima Bhat; Dr.Aswini Dutt.R; Dr. Siddharuda Shivalli

Volume : III, Issue : III, March - 2014

Cardiopulmonary Assessment of Middle Aged Males at High Altitude and its Correlation with Exercise

Dr. M. Bhima Bhat, Dr. Aswini Dutt. R, Dr. Siddharuda Shivalli

Abstract :

Regular physical exercise protects the lung function and has a beneficial impact on cardio respiratory health. Measurement of Pulmonary function and oxygen saturation (PO2) levels can form a simple assessment tool for determining cardio respiratory well being. To assess PEFR and Oxygen saturation (PO2) at increasing altitudes and study the effects of regular exercise on PEFR, O2 saturation in middle aged individuals, the present study was carried out. 50 subjects of 40–55 year age group were divided into two groups based on their exercise pattern. Their age, Heart rate, basal PEFR and oxygen saturation were recorded at 7000ft, 11,000ft and 15,000 ft en route to Himalayas. PEFR and PO2 levels decline and HR increase as the altitude increases. Regular exercise had a significantly better PEFR, lower Heart rate and PO2 compared to non exercisers at higher altitudes. Regular exercise improves blood oxygenation, strengthens the respiratory muscles during air hunger.