Why heart function is reduced at high altitude

The low amount of oxygen at mountain peaks decreases the mass of blood circulating round the torso, and increases blood pressure in the lungs, resulting in reduced nerve function at high elevations, say researchers.

Yet, the researchers also found that while both these factors impact blood flow, it amazingly does not touch on the body’s ability to exercise its broadest extent

.The findings will be important for people who live, travel and physical exertion at high elevations.

The research improves our understanding of how the human body adapts to high elevation areas and will assist us make exploration and tourism of Earth’s mountainous regions safer, and may also help facilitate exercise performance in a full range of sporting events that take place at high height, said researchers led by Michael Stembridge, from the Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales, Britai

We trust to use the findings of this study to help improve the health and welfare of these populations by fostering our understanding of the condition and exploring therapeutic targets,” he stated.