| This study investigated the relationship between the development of acute mountain sickness (AMS) and independent factors, including oxygen saturation, age, gender, body mass index, heart rate, and use of supplementary hormones (women). These investigations took place at the Himalayan Rescue Association Aid Post at Pheriche, Nepal, in the Khumbu Himalayas (4272m). Over 300 trekkers participated (N=206 men; N=106 women) in a short survey, physical examination, and walking challenge. Participants recorded their AMS symptoms using the Lake Louise AMS Score. Major findings included significantly lower AMS scores in pre- vs. post-menopausal women; significantly higher oxygen saturation in females over males, in subjects without AMS over those with AMS, in pre- vs. post-menopausal women, and among women who used hormone therapy over those who did not; significantly higher AMS scores in overweight subjects, and an inverse relationship between resting heart rate and oxygen saturation. These results are consistent with previous findings suggesting an altitude advantage for individuals with higher levels of female hormones, either naturally (pre-menopausal women) or artificially (hormone supplementation). Additionally, some equations were derived for predicting AMS scores and resting oxygen saturation in males and females, taking into account age and body mass index. |
