Changes in vital signs of lowlanders – A study of four high-altitude Himalayan treks

Abstract

Introduction: Not enough significant studies have been carried out so far related to changes in vital signs of high altitude trekkers in India despite having largest number of cases of high altitude illnesses. We have to depend upon the work done by western countries. So, present study is carried out to analyse the change in vital signs of high altitude trekkers particularly coming from low-lands. For that secondary data of an agency (with their official permission) are used and analysed. Material & Method:  A cross-sectional study where secondary data of total 460 trekkers from four different HA treks of Himalayas [Har Ki Dun (n=21), Deoriatal Chandrasheela (n=373), Kuari Pass (n=25), Kedarkantha (n=41)] in the year 2016 were used.  Their various parameters like BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, SpO_{2 ­}and pulse were retrived, compared and analysed. Results: Difference between these physiological variables amongst all trekkers was calculated. Difference was statistically highly significant for variation in systolic blood pressure, SpO₂ and Pulse while it was not significant for diastolic blood pressure. Conlcusion: 40% study subjects did not have favourable BMI. Physiological variables show significant changes at high altitudes, especially systolic BP, SPO2 and Pulse. [Joshi U Natl J Integr Res Med, 2019; 10(4):73-77]