The Royal College of Pathologists advise travellers to ascend higher altitude slower and responsibly
Last updated 25/11/2009 13:46:51
Mountaineers were advised to choose safer and responsible climbing travel package at a special seminar to celebrate the National Pathology week on 5th November at the The Royal Geographical Society, London.
The talk titled, “Hearts at High Altitudes”, discussed the human body’s remarkable ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions and findings of heart studies at high altitude.
Speakers of the event were Mike Soldner, who climbed Nanga Parbat in the Himalayas in 2007 and principal environmental consultant at URS; Dr Simon Gibbs, resident Cardiologist at Hammersmith Hospital and lecturer in mountain medicine; and Dr Mary Sheppard, cardiac pathologist at the Royal Brompton Hospital, London.
Dr. Simon Gibbs advised climbers to ascend mountains slowly. This is to give the body time to acclimatize to avoid cognitive deficit symptoms such as loss of focus and nausea.
This precaution applies not only to the Himalayas, but also to the Alps and any high altitude locations near us.
“Decision making can get affected at higher altitude, “ said Dr. Gibbs. “Mountain climbing package deals and self-organized expeditions posed higher risks to the heart.”
For example a 3-day package to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro at 5896 meters is probably too quick for many to allow proper acclimatization.
He also discouraged the use of drugs to assist fitness and proposed travellers to maintain consistent amount of exercise at sea level as pre-climbing preparation.
Knowledge and medical preparation are also essential. Climbers should be aware that at remote places they are far from hospitals and other emergency help.
Mike Soldner described the effects climbing has had on his body. Dr. Gibbs presented a talk about high altitude hypertension, pulmonary oedema and mountain medicine. Dr. Sheppard presented her studies on pulmonary hypertension and hypertrophy.
The second National Pathology Week took place between 2nd - 8th November 2009. The aim was to raise awareness about modern healthcare and The Royal College of Pathologists’ contributions to the public.
The Royal College of Pathologists covers all aspects of laboratory medicine; microbiology, immunology, haematology, clinical biochemistry, genetics and histopathology. It has 8785 members who are senior staff in hospital laboratories, universities and industry worldwide.
www.nationalpathologyweek.org